A tragic mid-air collision between a passenger plane and a military helicopter near Ronald Reagan National Airport has claimed the lives of 67 people.
According to Al Jazeera, the accident occurred around 9 p.m. on Wednesday, as confirmed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The aircraft involved were a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700, operating as an American Airlines flight, and a US Army Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu expressed his condolences to the U.S. government and its citizens, mourning the devastating loss of lives.
The Bombardier aircraft, a subsidiary of American Airlines, was on its approach to Reagan National Airport after departing from Wichita, Kansas, when the collision took place.
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The FAA reported that the commercial aircraft had 60 passengers and four crew members on board, while the military helicopter was carrying three personnel.
By Thursday, U.S. officials stated that there were likely no survivors. Washington Fire Chief John Donnelly announced during a press briefing at Reagan National Airport that rescue efforts were transitioning into a recovery operation.
“At this point, we do not believe there are any survivors,” Donnelly said, confirming that 28 bodies had been recovered, including one from the helicopter.
In a post on his verified X account, President Tinubu extended his sympathies to the families of the victims and all those affected by the tragedy.
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic incident in Washington, D.C.,” he wrote. “On behalf of Nigeria, I offer our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, the people of the United States, and all those impacted by this profound loss. I commend the bravery of first responders and emergency teams working under harsh conditions. Nigeria stands in solidarity with the U.S. government and its people, united in grief and hopeful for a brighter tomorrow.”
