The tragic plane crash in Washington, D.C., involving a passenger plane and a military helicopter, has shaken the entire nation.
The U.S. Figure Skating Association confirmed that skaters, officials, and their family members were on board the flight.
Among those reportedly involved, according to the Russian news agency Tass, were former world champions Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov.
No survivors in tragic the collision
Authorities have stated that no survivors are expected after a tragic midair collision between a passenger jet and an Army helicopter near D.C.’s Reagan National Airport.On Thursday, the fire and EMS chief confirmed that crews have transitioned to a recovery operation. So far, 28 bodies have been recovered, including 27 from the plane and one from the Black Hawk helicopter, according to ABC News.
Washington Fire Chief John Donnelly referred to the situation as “highly complex,” noting the challenging conditions, including strong winds, freezing temperatures, and limited visibility in the dark waters.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that around 9:00 PM local time, a passenger plane collided with a U.S. Army helicopter as it was approaching Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
Reports indicate that the commercial passenger jet was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, while the military helicopter had three soldiers aboard, reportedly on a training mission.
Disturbing CCTV footage from a nearby building has emerged online, capturing the moment of the collision. A massive explosion of flames erupts on impact, with both aircraft plunging into the Potomac River shortly afterward.
Skaters and coaches among victims
As more details emerge about the tragic crash, pieces of the puzzle are starting to fall into place regarding who was aboard the plane.
For example, U.S. Figure Skating previously confirmed that several skaters, coaches, and family members were on the commercial flight after attending a development camp that followed the national championships, which wrapped up Sunday in Wichita, Kansas.
“We are heartbroken to learn that figure skaters, along with their families, friends and coaches, are understood to be among those on board,” U.S. Figure Skating said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy.”On Thursday, the fire and EMS chief confirmed that crews have transitioned to a recovery operation. So far, 28 bodies have been recovered, including 27 from the plane and one from the Black Hawk helicopter, according to ABC News.
Washington Fire Chief John Donnelly referred to the situation as “highly complex,” noting the challenging conditions, including strong winds, freezing temperatures, and limited visibility in the dark waters.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that around 9:00 PM local time, a passenger plane collided with a U.S. Army helicopter as it was approaching Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
Reports indicate that the commercial passenger jet was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, while the military helicopter had three soldiers aboard, reportedly on a training mission.
Disturbing CCTV footage from a nearby building has emerged online, capturing the moment of the collision. A massive explosion of flames erupts on impact, with both aircraft plunging into the Potomac River shortly afterward.
Skaters and coaches among victims
As more details emerge about the tragic crash, pieces of the puzzle are starting to fall into place regarding who was aboard the plane.
For example, U.S. Figure Skating previously confirmed that several skaters, coaches, and family members were on the commercial flight after attending a development camp that followed the national championships, which wrapped up Sunday in Wichita, Kansas.
“We are heartbroken to learn that figure skaters, along with their families, friends and coaches, are understood to be among those on board,” U.S. Figure Skating said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy.”On Thursday, the fire and EMS chief confirmed that crews have transitioned to a recovery operation. So far, 28 bodies have been recovered, including 27 from the plane and one from the Black Hawk helicopter, according to ABC News.
Washington Fire Chief John Donnelly referred to the situation as “highly complex,” noting the challenging conditions, including strong winds, freezing temperatures, and limited visibility in the dark waters.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that around 9:00 PM local time, a passenger plane collided with a U.S. Army helicopter as it was approaching Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
Reports indicate that the commercial passenger jet was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, while the military helicopter had three soldiers aboard, reportedly on a training mission.
Disturbing CCTV footage from a nearby building has emerged online, capturing the moment of the collision. A massive explosion of flames erupts on impact, with both aircraft plunging into the Potomac River shortly afterward.
Skaters and coaches among victims
As more details emerge about the tragic crash, pieces of the puzzle are starting to fall into place regarding who was aboard the plane.
For example, U.S. Figure Skating previously confirmed that several skaters, coaches, and family members were on the commercial flight after attending a development camp that followed the national championships, which wrapped up Sunday in Wichita, Kansas.
“We are heartbroken to learn that figure skaters, along with their families, friends and coaches, are understood to be among those on board,” U.S. Figure Skating said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy.”