No Survivors Found after American Airlines Jet Collided with an Army Helicopter
A tragic midair collision between an American Airlines jet and an Army helicopter claimed the lives of all 64 people on board the plane. The crash, which occurred Wednesday night, sent the aircraft plunging into the icy waters of the Potomac River. Recovery teams have retrieved at least 28 bodies as efforts continue.
Cause of the Crash Remains Unknown
Authorities have yet to determine what led to the collision. Flight conditions were reported as clear when the jet, en route from Wichita, Kansas, was making a routine landing. Officials stated that the Army helicopter unexpectedly entered the aircraft’s path, but no further details have been confirmed.
Victims Included Figure Skaters and Families
Among the passengers were figure skaters, their coaches, and family members returning from a training camp following the U.S. Figure Skating Championships. The tragedy has deeply affected the sports community and their loved ones.
Recovery Efforts Underway
The wreckage of the American Airlines jet was found upside down in three sections in waist-deep water, while the remains of the helicopter were also located. Over 300 first responders were on the scene by early Thursday morning, working to recover victims and investigate the crash.
Trump’s Response and Political Blame
Despite the ongoing investigation, President Donald Trump quickly sought to shift blame, assuring newly sworn-in Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy that the disaster was not his fault. Duffy addressed the public, emphasizing that Americans should expect safe air travel and vowing not to accept excuses.
Trump used the incident to criticize former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, sarcastically calling him a “real winner” before blaming diversity and inclusion initiatives for lowering aviation safety standards. However, there is no evidence that the FAA or air traffic controllers played a role in the crash. Trump himself admitted that the cause remained unknown but promised a thorough investigation.
Flight Disruptions at Reagan National Airport
Following the crash, flights at Reagan National Airport were grounded but resumed shortly after 11 a.m. Thursday. Many flights were canceled or delayed, with airport boards filled with red cancellation messages.
Political Framing of the Tragedy
Trump’s immediate focus on diversity efforts follows a pattern of framing national tragedies through a political lens. His comments echoed his response to a New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans, where he falsely linked the suspect to immigration despite the attacker being a U.S. citizen born in Texas. As the investigation into the collision continues, officials remain focused on determining the actual cause of the disaster.
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