No Survivors Expected After Passenger Jet and Military Helicopter Collision Over Potomac River

No Survivors Expected After Passenger Jet and Military Helicopter Collision Over Potomac River

Washington, D.C., The Gulf Observer: U.S. officials have stated that there are likely no survivors following a mid-air collision between a passenger jet carrying 64 people and a military helicopter over Washington’s Potomac River.

Washington Fire Chief John Donnelly confirmed at a press conference at Reagan National Airport on Thursday that the operation had transitioned from rescue to recovery.

“At this point, we don’t believe there are any survivors,” Donnelly said, noting that 28 bodies had been recovered, including one from the helicopter.

Emergency vessels and dive teams continued searching the icy waters at dawn, battling strong winds and freezing conditions. More than 300 first responders had been involved in the overnight operation.

Transport officials stated that both aircraft were following standard flight patterns in clear conditions. However, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy indicated that the crash may have been preventable.

Dramatic air traffic control audio revealed repeated instructions for the helicopter to maintain visual contact with the jet, with controllers instructing it to “pass behind” before the collision.

“I just saw a fireball, and it was gone,” one air traffic controller was heard saying.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Army has placed the 12th Aviation Battalion, the unit involved in the crash, on an operational pause, temporarily grounding its helicopters. Other military aircraft, such as those from the National Guard, remain available for recovery efforts.

Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the tragic accident, and investigations are ongoing.