U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday (January 30) said there were no survivors of a plane crash in Washington, D.C., Reuters reports.
""I'd like to request a moment of silence for the victims and their families, please. Thank you very much. I speak to you this morning in an hour of anguish for a nation. Just before 9 p.m. last night, an American Airlines regional jet carrying 60 passengers and four crew collided with an army Blackhawk helicopter carrying three military service members over the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., while on final approach to Reagan National Airport. Both aircraft crashed instantly and were immediately submerged into the icy waters of the Potomac. Real tragedy, The massive search and rescue mission was underway throughout the night, leveraging every asset at our disposal.
And I have to say the local state, federal military, including the United States Coast Guard in particular, they've done a phenomenal job. So quick, so fast. It was it was mobilized immediately. The work has now shifted to a recovery mission. Sadly, there are no survivors. This was a dark and excruciating night in our nation's capital and in our nation's history and a tragedy of terrible proportions. As one nation, we grieve for every precious soul that has been taken from us so suddenly. And we are a country of, really we are in mourning, this has really shaken a lot of people, including people very sadly, from other nations who were on the flight. For the family members back in Wichita, Kansas, here in Washington, D.C., and throughout the United States and in Russia. We have a Russian contingency of very talented people, unfortunately, were on that plane. Very, very, very sorry about that, whose loved ones were aboard the passenger jet. We can only begin to imagine the agony that you're all feeling. Nothing worse.
On behalf of the First Lady, myself and 340 million Americans, our hearts are shattered alongside yours. And our prayers are with you now. And in the days to come, we'll be working very, very diligently in the days to come. We're here for you to wipe away the tears and to offer you our devotion, our love and our support. There is great support. In moments like this, the differences between Americans fade to nothing compared to the bonds of affection and loyalty that unite us all, both as Americans and even as nations.
We are one family and today we are all heartbroken. We're all searching for answers. That icy, icy Potomac, it was a cold, cold night. Cold water. We're all overcome with the grief for many who have so tragically perished, who will no longer be with us. Together, we take solace in the knowledge that their journey ended not in the cold waters of the Potomac, but in the warm embrace of a loving God," Trump said.
An American Airlines regional passenger jet collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter and crashed into the Potomac River near Reagan Washington National Airport.
