An American Airlines passenger plane carrying 60 passengers and four crew members collided with a U.S. Army helicopter in midair near Washington D.C., sending both aircraft into the Potomac River, according to D.C. fire officials.
The flight originated from Wichita, Kansas, and was preparing to land at Reagan National Airport when it crossed paths with a Black Hawk helicopter that had three U.S. soldiers on board. The incident occurred just seconds before landing.
The US Figure Skating Organization confirmed that several community members, including two world-champion Russian figure skaters, were on board the flight. The athletes were returning from the US Figure Skating Championships held in Wichita.
As recovery search efforts continue, teams across Washington D.C., are using social media to express their condolences for the tremendous loss of life in the horrific accident.
Professional teams share condolences
Professional teams across Washington D.C., are sharing their condolences for Wednesday night’s crash on social media.