Washington, D.C. – Two Chinese citizens were among the 67 people killed in a tragic midair collision over Washington, D.C., according to preliminary information provided by the Chinese embassy to the United States.
The accident occurred on Wednesday night when an American Airlines regional passenger plane and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter collided, sending both aircraft plummeting into the Potomac River. All passengers and crew aboard both the passenger jet and the military helicopter perished in the incident.
Air travel resumed at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on January 30, following the deadly collision. As authorities continue the grim task of searching for bodies, the tragedy has quickly escalated into a partisan debate over aviation safety and military protocols.
Eyewitnesses reported a fiery explosion in the sky moments before the aircraft crashed into the river. Emergency response teams were dispatched immediately, but efforts were hampered by harsh weather conditions and the challenging river environment.
The identities of the two Chinese nationals have not yet been released, pending notification of their families. The Chinese embassy expressed deep condolences and stated that they are in close communication with U.S. authorities to assist in the investigation and provide support to the victims' families.
This incident has raised serious questions about air traffic control systems and the coordination between civilian and military aircraft in one of the nation's busiest airspaces. Officials from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the collision.
The tragedy has also sparked political controversy, with lawmakers from both parties calling for hearings and reviews of existing aviation regulations. As the nation mourns the loss of life, the focus now turns to preventing such a devastating accident from occurring again.
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Two Chinese citizens killed in U.S. aircraft collision, says embassy
cgtn.com
