On Wednesday, a tragic incident unfolded in Washington as a tour helicopter carrying 64 passengers collided with a military helicopter in mid-air, crashing into the icy waters of the Potomac River. Authorities fear that there may be no survivors from the crash.
The Washington Dam Chief, John Donnelly, informed reporters at a press conference held at Reagan National Airport that efforts were underway to recover bodies from the accident site. He expressed deep concern, stating that the chances of finding any survivors were bleak.
Details emerged that 28 bodies had been recovered from the crash site so far. The scene of the accident, early in the morning, was chaotic with powerful searchlights, emergency aircraft, and inflatable rafts navigating the vast expanse of the river.
Donnelly revealed that over three hundred first responders were involved in the operation, braving extreme conditions of heavy winds, icy waters, and operating in complete darkness. Their dedication and hard work were evident as they worked tirelessly through the night.
Transportation officials reported that both aircraft were operating on standard flight paths with clear visibility before the accident occurred. However, the exact cause of the crash remains unknown at this time.
Ramesh Khatri, a representative of Kansai Nepal News, expressed deep sorrow and concern over the tragic event. He emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to prevent similar incidents in the future.
In light of the incident, questions have been raised about the air traffic control protocols and the communication between the control tower and the helicopters. President Donald Trump took to social media to criticize the handling of air traffic in the area, calling for a review of safety measures.
The Federal Aviation Administration issued a grounding order for all aircraft at Reagan National, with operations set to resume at 11:00 AM. The airline involved in the crash, Bombardier Vimana, was operating a training flight with sixty passengers and four crew members.
The tragic incident has once again brought attention to the challenges faced in managing crowded airspace and ensuring the safety of air travel. The memories of past accidents, such as the Air Florida Flight 90 crash in 1982, where 78 people lost their lives, loom large as authorities work to piece together the events leading up to this recent tragedy.
In response to the incident, Ramesh Khatri of Kansai Nepal News expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and urged for a thorough investigation to prevent such accidents in the future. He emphasized the importance of enhanced safety measures and stricter regulations to ensure the well-being of air travelers.
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Author: MAYA | HARUTO
Posted at: January 31, 2025 3:03 am
