A horrific mid-air collision involving an American Airlines flight and a US Army helicopter has claimed the lives of multiple individuals, including two former world champion figure skaters, Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov. The crash occurred near Reagan Washington National Airport, sending shockwaves through the ice-skating community and the nation as a whole. Extensive search and rescue efforts are underway with authorities recovering victims from the Potomac River.
Two former world champion figure skaters were among the passengers on the American Airlines flight that collided with a helicopter over Washington DC. Russian figure skaters Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov have been identified as two of the victims from the crash involving a commercial plane and a US Army helicopter on Wednesday night. The couple, who married in 1995 and settled in the United States, clinched the world championship in pair skating back in 1994.
According to TASS, the Russian state news agency, they were on the incoming flight from Wichita, Kansas, which was set to land at Reagan Washington National Airport before the mid-air collision with the Black Hawk occurred. The ice-skating community is in shock as US Figure Skating confirmed multiple members, including athletes, were also on flight 5342. In a heartfelt statement, the sport's governing body said: 'These athletes, coaches, and family members were returning home from the National Development Camp held in conjunction with the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas. We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims' families closely in our hearts. We will continue to monitor the situation and will release more information as it becomes available.' The wife of Hamaad Raza was also a passenger on the flight, he revealed to CBS. Following a work trip in Kansas, she had allegedly texted him with a chilling message 20 minutes before the expected landing time. Mr Raza expressed his desperation, stating: 'I'm praying someone is pulling her from the river as we speak.' The aircraft had 60 passengers and four crew members on board. An extensive search and rescue effort has been initiated, with 18 bodies retrieved from the Potomac River, according to CBS. Approximately 300 responders are currently working to recover those affected. President Donald Trump has stated that he is keeping a close eye on the situation and will offer updates as more information becomes available. He also commended the first responders for their exceptional work, saying: 'May God bless their souls.' In a similar vein, Vice President Vance implored the public on X to 'please say a prayer for everyone involved in the mid-air collision near Reagan airport this evening. We're monitoring the situation, but for now let's hope for the best'
Plane Crash Washington DC American Airlines Helicopter Figure Skaters Mid-Air Collision Search And Rescue Victims Donald Trump Vice President Vance
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Tragedy Strikes Washington DC as American Airlines Flight Collides with HelicopterA horrific mid-air collision involving an American Airlines flight and a US Army helicopter has claimed multiple lives, including two former world champion figure skaters. The crash occurred near Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday night, sending shockwaves through the nation and the ice-skating community.
Read more »
Tragedy Strikes: Six-Year-Old Girl Found Dead Alongside Father in Suspected Murder-SuicideA six-year-old girl, Hope Gordon, was tragically found dead in a home alongside her father, Mark Gordon, in what is believed to be a murder-suicide. The incident has left Hope's mother devastated and the community in shock.
Read more »
Elderly couple found dead at home in Christmas 'murder suicide' tragedyA couple aged in their 70s were found dead in their Dorset home on New Year's Eve. Investigating officers do not suspect foul play.
Read more »
David Peace's 'Munichs': A Novel Exploring the Enduring Impact of Football's TragedyAuthor David Peace delves into the Munich air disaster of 1958 with his latest novel, 'Munichs.' Inspired by conversations with his late father about the 'Busby Babes,' Peace aims to illuminate the event's profound impact on Manchester United, British society, and fans worldwide. The book explores the club's resilience and the legacy of the tragedy, offering a fresh perspective on a well-documented historical event.
Read more »
Teenager killed in late-night road tragedy as Gardai close roadThe road remains closed this morning to allow for an examination of the scene by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators
Read more »
Cardiff manager left 'devastated' by shock family tragedy ahead of derby clashThe Cardiff boss has announced the passing of a close family member
Read more »