Rescue teams have recovered at least 41 bodies from the Potomac River after a deadly collision between a passenger plane and a military helicopter near Washington on Wednesday.
“We have recovered 41 bodies, and 28 of those victims have been identified. Notifications of next of kin have been sent for 18 families,” said John Donnelly, the city’s fire and emergency services chief.
A total of 67 people were killed after a military helicopter collided with an American Airlines plane near Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington, with both aircraft crashing into the Potomac River after a mid-air collision and explosion.
“We expect to recover and recover all of the bodies,” Donnelly said, adding that teams were still working.
He also said that deteriorating weather conditions could slow the search somewhat.
Officials said that flight conditions were clear because the plane was making a routine landing when the helicopter crossed its path.
Three soldiers were on board the helicopter during a training flight.
Lily Wu, the mayor of Wichita, Kansas, has said there were no survivors in the collision between a passenger plane and a military helicopter over Wichita last night.
Wu broke the news through tears and said it was not yet known how many Wichita residents were among the dead. The crash happened shortly before the plane was due to land in Washington
