Washington: In a press briefing after the tragic mid-air collision between a US Army helicopter and an American Airlines passenger jet, President Donald Trump attributed the incident to air safety lapses linked to diversity hires backed by former President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden. He said that these hires had compromised safety standards in the aviation industry, according to a report by AFP.
The briefing began with Trump leading a moment of silence to remember the victims and express condolences to the families affected by the deadly crash near Washington. Trump also announced that Chris Rocheleau would be appointed as the acting administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Deadly aviation collision
The incident occurred when an American Airlines regional jet collided with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter, causing both aircraft to plummet into the Potomac River near Reagan Washington National Airport. Authorities confirmed that all 64 people aboard the American Airlines flight, including 60 passengers and four crew members, were presumed dead, marking it as one of the deadliest aviation disasters in the United States in nearly 25 years.
Divers recovered at least 28 bodies from the icy waters of the Potomac River, after the Army helicopter reportedly veered into the flight path of the approaching jet late Wednesday evening. The helicopter carried three soldiers at the time of the collision. “We don’t believe there are any survivors,” said John Donnelly, the fire chief in the nation’s capital. “We are now at the point where we are switching from a rescue operation to a recovery operation.”
Plane-helicopter crash
A tragic plane crash happened in Washington DC involving an American Airlines plane and a US military helicopter. The crash occurred near Ronald Reagan National Airport, leading to a large rescue operation along the Potomac River. Reports say the American Airlines flight was close to landing when it collided with the helicopter, causing many lives to be lost.
