67 Presumed Dead in Mid-Air Collision Over Potomac River, Search Shifts to Recovery

Following the mid-air collision over the Potomac River, it is believed 67 people aboard the two aircraft—a Bombardier CRJ700 with 64 passengers and crew, and a military helicopter carrying three soldiers—are deceased.

During a Thursday morning news conference, President Donald Trump assured that authorities would release more details about the victims as soon as possible. By Thursday evening, officials reported that some bodies had been recovered from the icy waters, but the search had shifted from rescue to recovery. Washington, D.C. Fire chief John Donnelly said they don’t believe there are any survivors.

The wreckage of the CRJ700 was found in three sections, overturned in waist-deep water, while the helicopter’s remains were also located. Among the flight’s passengers were U.S. Figure Skating athletes, coaches, and family members.

Investigators recovered the plane’s cockpit voice and flight data recorders, now undergoing analysis at NTSB labs. The D.C. Medical Examiner’s Office will oversee victim identification.

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