Source: CNN, Sky News, The Economic Times, President of the United States Donald Trump on his social media platform Truth Social
Details: Several media outlets report that rescuers have already found at least 18 bodies. It is known that there were 64 people aboard the plane, and 3 American soldiers were in the helicopter.
According to CNN, Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser stated during a speech at Ronald Reagan Airport that firefighters are working "diligently" in dark and cold conditions. Approximately 300 rescuers are participating in the operation.
The publication also mentions that the FBI's dive team has been brought in for the operation on the Potomac River.
The plane crash has drawn a response from President Donald Trump.
"The plane was on a perfect and familiar approach path to the airport. The helicopter was flying straight at the plane for a long time. It was a clear night, the plane had its lights on; why didn’t the helicopter ascend, descend, or turn away? Why didn’t the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they could see the plane? This tragedy could have been prevented," Trump wrote on his platform Truth Social.
Update: Later, the United States Figure Skating Association reported that there were skaters and coaches on board the plane, but did not provide any further details.
"These athletes, coaches, and their family members were returning home from the National Development Camp held as part of the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas... We are devastated by this tragedy... We will continue to monitor the situation and provide more information as it becomes available," CNN quotes the organization's statement.
Russian media, citing sources, reported that there may have been coaches of Russian origin on board.
Reminder:
- On the night of January 30, a passenger plane collided in the air with a military helicopter while approaching Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington, after which both fell into the river.
- Ronald Reagan National Airport was temporarily closed due to the emergency.