First lady Melania Trump issued a statement on Thursday following the tragic plane crash near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport involving an Army helicopter and American Airlines Flight 5342 on Wednesday night.
“My heart goes out to those impacted by last night’s terrible tragedy,” the post on X from the first lady’s official account read. “I pray for those who so sadly lost their lives, their families [and] loved ones, [and] the first responders who have worked tirelessly through the night.”
“May they find strength and solace in this difficult time,” she added.
My heart goes out to those impacted by last night’s terrible tragedy. I pray for those who so sadly lost their lives, their families & loved ones, & the first responders who have worked tirelessly through the night. May they find strength and solace in this difficult time.
— First Lady Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) January 30, 2025
Authorities said Thursday morning they believe there are no survivors after a military helicopter collided with the passenger plane that was about to land. Both aircraft crashed into the Potomac River.
D.C. Fire Chief John Donnelly said Thursday morning that rescue efforts were now switching to recovery efforts with no survivors expected. He said first responders had already recovered the bodies of 27 of the 64 people onboard the passenger plane and one body from the Black Hawk helicopter.
“We wish we were gathering for different purposes today,” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said at a press conference. “We will not rest until we have answers for the families and for the flying public. You should be assured that when you fly you are safe.”
The crash, reported around 8:48 p.m., prompted a 300-person emergency response from local fire departments, police departments, the Department of Defense, the Coast Guard, and the FBI.
Duffy added that the two aircraft had been located and that the fuselages of the airplanes had been found in about three different locations. He said that the National Transportation Safety Board and the FA were conducting an investigation.
American Airlines CEO Robert Isom said he was “absolutely heartbroken” and that “we are all hurting incredibly.” He said the helicopter appeared to have veered into the flight path of an American Eagle regional jet that had departed from Wichita, Kansas.
President Donald Trump released a statement on Wednesday night following the crash. He wrote on social media that he had “been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport. May God Bless their souls.”
“Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders,” he added. “I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise.”
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