Washington, D.C. – There is still the need to make recovery efforts at the Potomac River bottom after the collision of an American Airlines passenger aircraft with a Black Hawk military helicopter in midair. Officials confirmed that more victims had been recovered bringing the current number of identified dead to at least 55 of the 60 fatalities.
The tragic accident occurred Wednesday evening as the commercial plane was approaching the landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport. A surveillance camera at The Kennedy Center captured what seemed to be an explosion as the aircraft descended. Both the plane and helicopter were sent crashing into the river after the midair collision left no survivors.
Current Rescue Operations
Multi-level rescue teams, comprising federal, state, and local agencies, continue to work without rest to rescue victims and recover wreckage from the crash site. Officials said efforts to lift the plane out of the river were ongoing and that crews would continue scouring the shoreline for more debris.
Furthermore, a Metropolitan Police Department diver contracted hypothermia and was rushed to the hospital for evaluation during operations. Crews are still hoping to complete the whole operation despite extreme conditions.
Authorities Seek Public Assistance
Officials have asked the public to be vigilant and report any debris or wreckage found along the riverbanks. Since the Potomac has strong currents, authorities expect that more fragments of the aircraft may be carried downstream.
“We work day and night to ensure the recovery of all victims and critical evidence in this tragic incident. We request the public to call local authorities immediately if they find any debris,” officials were quoted as saying during a briefing.
Investigating the Collision
The National Transportation Safety Board is conducting a probe into the cause of the crash. The experts in the aviation field, along with other federal agencies, will review the flight data, air traffic control communications, and possible mechanical failure to determine the cause of the disaster.
While searching continues, victims’ families hope for answers regarding how this cataclysmic collision happened. Recovery teams will work throughout the next few days to bring closure to the affected ones.
