WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT THE WASHINGTON DC PLANE CRASH

A US commercial airliner with 64 individuals on board collided with a military helicopter over Washington on Wednesday before crashing into the Potomac River, prompting a large-scale rescue operation that has recovered multiple bodies from the near-freezing waters. Here’s what we know so far:

### What Happened?

Just before 9:00 PM (0200 GMT), a Bombardier jet operated by PSA, an American Airlines subsidiary, was approaching Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport when it collided with a military Black Hawk helicopter.

Footage captured from the Kennedy Center, a cultural landmark in Washington, shows the bright lights of the descending airplane alongside the dimmer lights of the approaching helicopter until the collision occurred, resulting in a fireball. The plane was traveling from Wichita, Kansas.

According to a military spokesperson, the helicopter was on a training flight. Local authorities confirmed that both aircraft crashed into the Potomac River.

### Casualties Unclear

American Airlines reported that there were 60 passengers and four crew members on the flight. A US military official stated that three military personnel were aboard the helicopter. 

Several hours after the incident, authorities had yet to provide any casualty figures, even tentatively. However, US media reported that multiple bodies had been recovered from the Potomac River. CBS News cited a police official stating that “at least 18 bodies were recovered,” while NBC reported “more than a dozen” had been found, according to two sources familiar with the search efforts.

Reports indicate that several members of the US figure skating community were on the jet. The Washington Post quoted a statement from US Figure Skating: “We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims’ families closely in our hearts.” Additionally, Russian news agencies reported that the country’s champion skating couple, Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, who won the 1994 world pairs title, were also on board.

### Complex Rescue Operation

An extensive and “extremely complex” search and rescue operation is currently underway. Over 300 rescue workers are mobilized under “extremely difficult” conditions, according to Washington Fire Chief John Donnelly. 

“It’s pitch dark. The water is cold and murky. These are very difficult conditions for divers,” he stated, adding, “There’s wind, ice, it’s dangerous.” Numerous inflatable boats were spotted along the banks of the Potomac, with dozens of flashing lights visible, as reported by AFP. Helicopters equipped with powerful searchlights are also involved in the operation. The Coast Guard has been called in for additional support. Authorities indicated that they expect the operations to last several days.

### Was It Avoidable?

President Donald Trump remarked on social media that the collision “should have been avoided.” He noted, “The plane was on a perfect approach path to the airport. The helicopter was heading directly toward the plane for some time. The night was clear, the lights of the plane were visible; why didn’t the helicopter climb or descend, or make a turn?” He questioned why the control tower did not provide guidance to the helicopter instead of merely asking if they saw the plane, calling the situation “bad” and suggesting it should have been prevented.