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Washington D.C. : A pall hangs over the nation's capital following a devastating mid-air collision between an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter.
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The crash occurred Wednesday evening near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, sending both aircraft plunging into the icy Potomac River.
The American Airlines flight, carrying 60 passengers and 4 crew members, was en route from Wichita, Kansas, and approaching for landing when it collided with the military helicopter, which was carrying three soldiers on a training mission. The impact was catastrophic, with eyewitnesses reporting a "fireball" before both aircraft plummeted into the frigid waters.
Rescue efforts were immediately launched, involving dozens of firefighters and dive teams. However, as the night wore on, hope dwindled, and officials confirmed the grim news: there were likely no survivors. Recovery operations are now underway, with authorities working to retrieve bodies from the wreckage.
Among those on board the ill-fated flight were Russian figure skating champions Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, casting a shadow over the international sports community.
The crash has sent shockwaves through the nation, raising questions about air safety and the circumstances leading to this tragic event. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has called the collision "absolutely" preventable, and an investigation has been launched to determine the cause.
As the city mourns, flags fly at half-mast, and the nation grapples with the loss of life. This devastating accident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of air safety.