Multiple national tragedies in a near Washington DC airspace have brought grief to the entire nation.
Military authorities investigate the mystery that brought two aircraft into a fatal collision before they plunged into the Potomac River.
A massive emergency response began immediately after the crash occurred during late Tuesday evening hours.
Emergency teams have scrambled through the ice waters to pull victims from the wreckage while searching for all possible casualties.
The incident took place when a regional jet operated by American Airlines approached Reagan National Airport for landing.
During the accident the U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter carried out normal training operations in that zone.
The aircraft engaged in communication activities with air traffic controllers through their ground connections right before striking each other.
With under thirty seconds remaining until the crash the helicopter pilot reported seeing the approaching jet.
The aviation experts consider this disaster to be an extreme but surprising occurrence in tightly regulated airspace.
The aircraft struck one another at 300 feet elevation when they passed over the Potomac River.
The official report stated that both the plane and helicopter operated with sixty passengers and four crew members when the accident occurred.
The helicopter airlifted military personnel as it crashed into the air.
An urgent search and rescue operation began right away with more than 300 emergency responders participating.
The water rescuers retrieved 28 bodies throughout the next morning after the aircraft disaster.
The wrecked jet lay submerged upside down with its wreckage divided into three distinct pieces.
Black Hawk helicopter wreckage pieces floated among the river waters near the main debris site.
The United States experienced grief as D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser shared her sentiments with the media.
The spokesperson noted our profound sorrow for American Airlines together with the U.S. Department of Defense and all Americans subsequently the two plane collision.
During the press conference President Donald Trump committed to sharing new information which became available about the incident.
He commended the bravery of first responders and extended thoughts of prayer to the families mourning their lost relatives.
Vice President Vance urged Americans to unite through hope as they faced this difficult period.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigators started their assessment to determine all potential causes behind the collision.
Information from initial reports showed the sky was clear and pilots could see surrounding objects when the aircraft crashed.
Specialists agree that these types of collisions involving two aircraft in flight appear almost never in the airspace surrounding major airports.
Officials warn about the potential duration of days required for the ongoing mission to retrieve both victims and wreckage.
The nation follows all emerging details because the situation keeps developing.
The situation becomes worse because some important victims have been identified.
Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov served as the two world figure skating champions who were onboard the flight.
The Russian skaters achieved championship victory at the World Championship in 1994 because of their remarkable showings.
These experts had devoted themselves to skating by transitioning from elite athletes to become top-class instructors.
Shishkova and Naumov returned to Washington after touring when the disaster occurred.
Through their son Maxim Naumov who skates as an American male singles figure skater their legacy stays active.
The figure skating fraternity experienced profound shock after this announcement and collected heartfelt tributes from every corner of the planet.
The devastating unforeseen tragedy has left U.S. Figure Skating completely devastated and they remain committed to supporting the affected families with unwavering care.
The investigation into the disaster reveals the heartbreaking loss of championship athletes and all persons who lost their lives in the accident.
The current priority is to provide bereaved families with peace of mind alongside investigating the factors that led to this tragic event.
Feature Image Credit: (Colorsport/Shutterstock)