This post was updated with additional information from the Navy.
Search efforts continue in the Potomac River after an American Airlines plane with 60 passengers and four crew on board collided in midair with an Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter carrying three soldiers near Reagan National Airport outside Washington, D.C.
District of Columbia fire and emergency officials said Thursday morning 28 bodies have been recovered from the river. Officials said they do not expect any passengers or crew survived, with efforts switching to recovery on Thursday.
The Coast Guard is coordinating with local, state and federal agencies in response to the collision, which occurred at 8:47 p.m., as the regional passenger jet from Wichita, Kan., descended for landing. The Army helicopter was on a training flight from nearby Fort Belvoir, Va.
Coast Guard Sector Maryland – National Capital Region command center said watchstanders received a report of the collision at approximately 8:55 p.m.
Response boat crews from Coast Guard stations Washington, Curtis Bay, Annapolis, St. Inigoes, Oxford and Crisfield deployed to conduct searches in coordination with local authorities and enforce a safety zone. Coast Guard patrol boat USGC Sailfish (WPB-87356), fast response cutter USCGC Nathan Bruckenthal (WPC-1128), inland construction tedner USCGC Kennebec (WLIC-802) and buoy tender USCGC Frank Drew (WLM-557) are on their way to assist, a Coast Guard news release said.
Although the airport has reopened, the Coast Guard’s Urgent Marine Information Broadcast advised mariners to avoid the area from the Woodrow Wilson Bridge heading north along the Potomac River remains in effect.
President Donald Trump, speaking from the White House briefing room Thursday morning, said, “as one nation we grieve for every precious soul that has been taken from us so suddenly. We are in mourning.”
He added, “we do not know what led to this crash, but we have some very strong opinions and ideas.” The Army and the National Transportation Safety Board have launched investigations into the cause.
“We’ll find out how this disaster occurred and will ensure that nothing like this ever happens again,” he said.
Among the passengers were figure skaters attending a U.S. Figure Skating development camp following the U.S. National Championships, held in Witchita, Kan., last week. The Boston Figure Skating Club in Norwood, Mass., confirmed that six of their members, including skaters, family and coaches are among passengers.
The release added the Coast Guard is working with the Army Corps of Engineers and the Navy’s Supervisor of Salvage and Diving to coordinate removing the wreckage and restoring the waterways once able to do so. Its pollution control crews have also been mobilized. The Navy is still identifying units that will support the ongoing effort, according to a service spokesperson. In addition, Navy chaplains are on the scene.
