A passenger plane and a military helicopter collided mid-air near Ronald Reagan National Airport, killing 67 people.
According to Al Jazeera, the crash occurred around 9 p.m. on Wednesday, as reported by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The aircraft involved were a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700, operating as an American Airlines flight, and a US Army Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter. The Bombardier plane was approaching Reagan National Airport after departing from Wichita, Kansas, when the collision happened.
President Bola Tinubu expressed sadness over the tragedy and extended condolences to the U.S. government and its citizens.
The FAA confirmed that the passenger plane carried 60 passengers and four crew members, while the military helicopter had three personnel on board.
US officials said on Thursday that there were likely no survivors.
“We are now at a point where we are switching from a rescue operation to a recovery operation,” Washington Fire Chief John Donnelly, told a news conference at Reagan National Airport.
“At this point, we don’t believe there are any survivors,” Donnelly said, adding that 28 bodies had been recovered — including one from the helicopter.
In a post via his verified X handle on Thursday, Tinubu commiserated with the families of the victims, the people of the United States, and all affected by the sad incident.
He wrote, “I am deeply saddened by the tragic incident in Washington, D.C.
“On behalf of Nigeria, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, the people of the United States, and all affected by this profound loss. I commend the courageous efforts of first responders and emergency teams for their selfless work in harsh conditions.
“Nigeria stands in solidarity with the United States Government and its People, united in grief and hopeful for a new day.”
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