In a tragic turn of events, investigators have recovered the black boxes from the deadly mid-air collision that occurred over the Potomac River on January 30. The incident involved a military helicopter carrying three crew members and an American Airlines passenger plane with 64 people on board, all of whom perished in the crash.
U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed on Thursday that there were \"no survivors\" from the collision. \"Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of those affected by this terrible tragedy,\" Trump stated, emphasizing that the operation has now shifted from rescue to recovery.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced that the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder from the passenger plane have been retrieved and are currently being analyzed at NTSB laboratories. \"These devices will provide critical information to help us understand the sequence of events leading up to the crash,\" an NTSB spokesperson said.
Recovery teams have been working tirelessly at the crash site, and U.S. media reports indicate that dozens of bodies have been removed from the Potomac River. The difficult conditions have posed challenges, but authorities remain committed to bringing closure to the victims' families.
The collision has raised urgent questions about air traffic safety and communication protocols in the region. Aviation experts anticipate that the investigation will delve into potential factors such as technical malfunctions, human error, and possible airspace violations.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the nation, prompting calls for a thorough investigation to prevent similar incidents in the future. Memorial services are being planned for the victims as communities come together to mourn this profound loss.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com