Washington DC Plane Crash Highlights: PM Modi condoles loss of lives in mid-air collision

According to the CNN, recovery operations have been paused until Friday morning after first responders recovered at least eight additional bodies on Thursday, leaving 14 victims still unaccounted for. The report cited sources involved in the effort. Four individuals are confirmed to be inside the plane, though they remain trapped, while two soldiers from the helicopter have not yet been extracted. A crane is being brought in to assist with the recovery but is expected to arrive in 24 to 48 hours, the source added.

A jet carrying 60 passengers and four crew members collided with an Army helicopter while nearing Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, DC, sending both aircraft into the Potomac River. Tragically, all those aboard are presumed dead. The crash took place around 9 p.m. Wednesday, just over 3 miles (5 kilometers) south of the White House and U.S. Capitol, in one of the most heavily monitored airspaces in the world. What began as a search-and-rescue mission overnight transitioned into a recovery operation on Thursday. Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash.

The Chinese Embassy in the US confirmed on Thursday that, based on "preliminary information," two Chinese nationals were among the victims of Wednesday's midair collision near Reagan National Airport, according to Xinhua, China's state-run news agency.

The Embassy offered heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families, requesting that the US authorities verify the details and officially notify China, Xinhua reported.

The search for remaining bodies in the Potomac River has been paused for a brief time due to unsafe conditions, with responders reporting they have recovered all remains that can be safely accessed, CBS News has reported.

Recovery teams are bringing a US Coast Guard crane to the Potomac River crash site to assist in reaching victims trapped in areas of the wreckage that divers can’t access, according to a law enforcement source speaking with CNN. The crane, which was previously used to remove debris from the Francis Scott Key Bridge after its collapse in March 2024, is already en route from Baltimore. It will be used to cut and lift sections of the plane, allowing divers to recover additional victims from the wreckage.

Just before the crash, an air traffic controller was heard asking the helicopter crew if they had the American Airlines passenger jet "in sight," as reported by CNN. Moments later, a second warning was issued by air traffic control, followed by the collision. The audio, which was made available by Live ATC—an online platform that records communications from over 1,200 airports—has not been verified by the BBC. In the recording, there seems to be no response from the helicopter crew to the warnings given by air traffic control.

House Minority leader Hakeem Jeffries shared his condolences on social media following the tragic crash near the Potomac River, close to Reagan National Airport, on Wednesday evening.

The New York Democrat expressed his sorrow, stating that he was “praying hard for the passengers, crew, servicemembers and first responders.”

The FBI’s Washington Field Office dive team is helping in the search for victims of the plane-helicopter collision that occurred in the Potomac River on Wednesday, a spokesperson for the bureau told CNN. The FBI’s Underwater Search and Evidence Response Team (USERT), made up of agents trained in underwater operations, is working to locate and recover any submerged evidence. These agents are stationed across the U.S. and specialize in search and recovery operations in water.

Washington DC's Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Chief, John A. Donnelly Sr., has described the ongoing search-and-rescue efforts in the Potomac River as extremely difficult due to the hazardous conditions. Donnelly explained that the water is approximately 8 feet deep, and strong winds, along with floating ice, are complicating the operation. The water is murky and dark, making it especially challenging for rescue teams to search effectively, particularly when diving.

American Airlines has provided toll-free numbers for those affected by the incident. The airline announced this number for the people to get updates on their loved ones. The number is - 800-679-8215. For callers outside the US, additional contact details are available at news.aa.com. Family members in Canada, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands can also reach out directly at 800-679-8215.

Around 19 aircraft were airborne when the crash occurred near Reagan National Airport, prompting their diversion to Dulles International Airport, located roughly 20 miles to the west. According to aviation analytics company Cirium, 858 flights were scheduled to operate at Reagan National Airport on Wednesday, with another 869 flights planned for Thursday. Airport officials confirmed that Reagan National will remain closed until at least 11 am ET Thursday.

The Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk is a versatile and widely recognized military helicopter, serving various roles within the U.S. military, such as air assault, general support, medical evacuation, command and control, and special operations. The helicopter involved in the crash on January 29 was operating under the call sign PAT25 and had three people on board, according to the Aviation Safety Network, which tracks aviation incidents. Since its production began in the mid-1970s, over 5,000 Black Hawks have been built.

Trump took to Twitter and expressed shock over the entire incident. He said that the plane was on a normal approach to the airport, but the helicopter kept heading straight towards it for a long time. He further questioned that it was a clear night, and the plane's lights were bright—why didn't the helicopter move up, down, or turn? Why didn’t the control tower direct the helicopter, instead of just asking if they saw the plane? Trump said that this is a terrible situation that seems like it could have been avoided.