55 victims of DC midair collision recovered from Potomac River, identified
Officials in Washington, D.C., have made significant progress in the recovery operation following the tragic midair collision between a commercial plane and a Black Hawk helicopter last week. D.C. Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly, Sr. announced on Sunday that 55 of the 67 victims have been identified from the bodies pulled from the Potomac River.
During the strenuous multi-day recovery operation, officials encountered challenging conditions, including freezing cold water and poor visibility. Despite these obstacles, only one first responder developed hypothermia but later recovered. The focus now shifts to lifting the debris from the river, with plans to begin the process on Monday.
Col. Francis Pera from the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers expressed confidence in a successful lift on Monday morning. Precautions will be taken to preserve any human remains found within the wreckage, including covering the debris with a tent during the recovery process.
The collision between a Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and a Bombardier CRJ700 airliner operating under PSA Airlines shocked the nation. Preliminary information from the plane’s flight data recorder indicated the impact occurred at an altitude of 325 feet and revealed a slight change in pitch prior to the collision.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is working to gather data from both aircraft’s recorders to determine the circumstances leading to the tragic accident. The recovery operation, involving multiple agencies and first responders, is described as incredibly unusual by firefighter and diver Jake Crockett, who highlighted the challenges posed by the Potomac River’s temperature and visibility.
As the recovery effort continues, officials remain committed to providing closure to the families of the victims and ensuring a thorough investigation into the cause of the collision. The community has come together to support those affected by the tragedy, demonstrating resilience and solidarity in the face of adversity.
