Officials confirmed on Wednesday that all 67 victims of last week’s midair collision over the Potomac River have been positively identified. The crash involved an American Airlines passenger jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Washington’s Reagan National Airport.
A joint statement from multiple agencies announced that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is making progress in clearing the wreckage. Efforts are focused on recovering major airplane components from the river. Once that phase is complete, operations will shift toward removing the remains of the military helicopter.
Crane operations are playing a key role in lifting the debris, ensuring a thorough and efficient recovery. Authorities are working diligently to conclude the operation while maintaining safety and environmental precautions.
The collision, which shook the region, prompted an extensive investigation. Officials have not yet disclosed the cause of the tragic event, but recovery teams continue to piece together evidence from the wreckage.
Families of the victims have been notified, and authorities are offering support as they mourn their loved ones. The incident has raised concerns about aviation safety near the nation’s capital, leading to discussions on potential air traffic regulation changes.
Further updates will follow as investigators analyze recovered materials and determine the factors that led to the fatal midair collision.
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