Synopsis
All remains of the 67 victims from the mid-air collision between a helicopter and a passenger plane in Washington have been recovered. The Unified Command reported that 66 bodies have been identified. The investigation into this tragic incident is currently underway, marking the deadliest air disaster in Washington since 1982.Key Takeaways
- All 67 victims recovered from the crash.
- Investigation led by National Transportation Safety Board.
- 66 remains positively identified.
- Operation transitioning from rescue to recovery.
- Deadliest air accident in Washington since 1982.
Washington, Feb 5 (NationPress) The remains of all 67 individuals who tragically lost their lives in the mid-air collision between a helicopter and a passenger plane in Washington last week have been successfully retrieved by rescue teams, as reported by US media citing the Unified Command.
According to Xinhua news agency, citing ABC News, 66 of the remains have been positively identified.
The Unified Command mentioned that its teams are still engaged in clearing debris, including large sections of the aircraft, from the Potomac River, with extensive lifting operations expected to continue through Tuesday evening.
Unloading is anticipated to commence when environmental and tidal conditions permit on Wednesday.
After that, focus will shift to recovering debris from the Black Hawk helicopter.
A passenger jet with 64 people on board collided with an Army helicopter while attempting to land at the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday night, resulting in both aircraft plunging into the icy waters of the Potomac River. Three US Army soldiers were aboard the helicopter.
This incident marks the most devastating air disaster in Washington since 1982.
The US National Transportation Safety Board is currently conducting an investigation into the incident.
Earlier on Thursday, the Washington Fire Chief stated that the likelihood of any survivors from the mid-air collision is minimal.
“We are now transitioning from a rescue operation to a recovery operation. At this stage, we do not anticipate any survivors from this tragic event,” stated John Donnelly, chief of the District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department, during a press conference at the airport on Thursday morning.
Donnelly mentioned that at 8:48 p.m. local time on Wednesday, the control tower issued an alert regarding a reported aircraft crash on or near the airport, prompting approximately 300 rescuers to respond to the scene.
“Responders encountered extremely frigid conditions, heavy winds, and ice on the water as they worked throughout the night,” he added.
During the press conference, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that the helicopter was operating under a standard flight pattern on Wednesday night, while the passenger plane was also on a standard approach into Washington, without elaborating on the circumstances leading to the fatal collision.
Duffy indicated that the National Transportation Safety Board will begin analyzing the aircraft in collaboration with the Federal Aviation Administration.
