A devastating mid-air collision between an American Airlines plane and a US military Black Hawk helicopter has resulted in the loss of 67 lives.
The crash, which occurred near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, is the deadliest plane crash in the US since 2001.
President Donald Trump has confirmed that there are no survivors, and has sparked controversy by blaming the Democrats for the tragedy.
What Happened?
The American Airlines plane, which was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, collided with the Black Hawk helicopter and plunged into the Potomac River on Wednesday night.
The three people on board the helicopter are also believed to have perished in the crash. The plane was flying from Wichita, Kansas, and was preparing for a routine landing at the time of the collision.
Trump’s Response
In a press conference from the White House, Trump targeted former Presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama, as well as former transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg, saying that their policies were to blame for the tragedy.
“We must have only the highest standards for those who work in our aviation system,” Trump said.
“I changed the Obama standards from very mediocre at best to extraordinary… and then when I left office and Biden took over, he changed them back to lower than ever before.”
Trump also blamed an “FAA diversity push” that he claimed included hiring people with severe intellectual and psychiatric disabilities.
He called the deadly collision a “tragedy of terrible proportions” and said that a “massive search-and-rescue mission” was underway.
Victims Identified
The pilots of the American Airlines plane have been identified as First Officer Samuel Lilley, 29, and Captain Jonathan Campos, 34. Lilley was newly engaged and was only months away from being promoted to captain.
The crash has also claimed the lives of several figure skaters, including Russian world champions Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, who were returning from a competition in Wichita.
Investigation Underway
Investigators are working to piece together the final moments of the aircraft before the collision, including its contact with air traffic controllers. The search for the black boxes of both aircraft is ongoing.
As the nation mourns the loss of life, Trump’s comments have sparked outrage and controversy.
The crash is a devastating reminder of the risks and uncertainties of air travel, and the need for rigorous safety standards and protocols to prevent such tragedies from occurring.