Hope of finding survivors faded.
A tragic midair collision occurred on Wednesday near Reagan National Airport, involving an American Airlines jet and a U.S. Army helicopter. The plane, which departed from Wichita, Kansas, was carrying 64 passengers, while the helicopter had three soldiers on board. Authorities have confirmed there are no survivors from the crash, which happened as the jet was approaching the runway. Wichita Mayor Lily Wu expressed deep sorrow during a press conference and announced that a community prayer meeting would be held at Wichita City Hall to support the families of the victims.
Mayor Wu emphasized the importance of unity during this difficult time, encouraging the community to come together in prayer and offering city resources to those affected. The crash involved a Bombardier CRJ700 airplane and a Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, which was on a training flight out of Fort Belvoir, Virginia. John Donnelly, Washington’s fire chief, said that around 300 first responders worked tirelessly in freezing conditions to search for survivors. Unfortunately, the search turned into a recovery operation after it became clear there were no survivors.
Rescue crews have recovered 27 bodies from the American Airlines flight and one from the helicopter. Donnelly stated that efforts to recover and reunite the remaining bodies with their families are ongoing, led by the District Office of the medical examiner. The crash has left the community and the nation in mourning.
U.S. Senator Roger Marshall from Kansas expressed his condolences, calling the incident a “nightmare” and offering prayers for the victims and their loved ones. He urged everyone to join him in supporting Kansas and the first responders who have been working through the aftermath of this devastating accident.