Search teams race against time to recover victims from a tragic DC plane crash
Washington DC: A tragic plane crash has left search teams in a race against time. An American Airlines jet collided with a military helicopter near Reagan National Airport. The plane plunged into the icy Potomac River, and all 64 people on board are feared dead.
Emergency services are facing extremely rough weather conditions. They warn that temperatures are dangerously low, making the search even harder. The crash happened just before 9 PM on a clear night, but the icy waters pose a serious threat to any potential survivors.
Rescue teams have about 12 hours to find victims before conditions worsen. The temperature was around 35°F at the time of the crash, and experts say people can lose consciousness in just minutes in such cold water. Windy conditions are also complicating the search efforts.
The American Airlines flight had just left Wichita, Kansas, and was landing when it collided with a Black Hawk helicopter on a training mission. Chilling audio captured the moment air traffic control asked the helicopter crew if they could see the approaching plane.
Officials have confirmed that the plane broke apart upon impact. The wreckage has been located in waist-deep water. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the crash, with both the Transportation Secretary and President expressing their commitment to finding answers.
As the search continues, details about the passengers are emerging. Among them were Russian figure skaters and several US athletes. Families are anxiously waiting for news as the recovery mission unfolds in the frigid waters of the Potomac.
