American Airlines regional jet carrying 64 people collided midair with a Black Hawk military helicopter, moments before the plane was set to land at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Officials confirmed Thursday morning that there were no survivors, marking the deadliest air disaster in the United States since 2001.
Emergency response teams worked tirelessly through the night in freezing temperatures, shifting from rescue operations to recovery efforts as the grim reality of the situation set in. At least 28 bodies have been recovered so far—27 from the wreckage of the jet and one from the helicopter, District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Chief John Donnelly announced during a press conference.
Both aircraft plunged into the icy waters of the Potomac River following the impact. The American Airlines flight had 60 passengers and four crew members onboard, while the Black Hawk helicopter was carrying three military personnel at the time of the crash.