In a catastrophic incident on Thursday, air traffic came to a halt at Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., when an American Airlines passenger jet collided with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River. The collision resulted in the tragic loss of at least 30 lives, as emergency services scoured the river to search for survivors amidst the wreckage.
The American Airlines plane was carrying 64 individuals, including 60 passengers and four crew members. Among those onboard were renowned Russian figure skaters, Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, who have held the title of world champions. In addition to the passengers and crew of the American Airlines flight, three service personnel were aboard the Black Hawk helicopter.
The crash prompted immediate suspension of all takeoffs and landings at Reagan National Airport as authorities responded to the emergency. Rescue teams quickly deployed to the scene, working against time in their efforts to locate and rescue any possible survivors from the frigid waters of the Potomac.
Initial reports indicate that the passenger jet and military helicopter collided mid-air, leading to their subsequent plunge into the river below. The precise cause of the collision remains under investigation by aviation authorities and military officials, who are examining all available evidence to piece together the events leading up to this devastating incident.
The presence of Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov on the flight has drawn international attention due to their prominence in the world of figure skating. The global community mourns alongside their families and fans as they await further information on this tragedy.