US Figure Skating: Members were on plane that crashed near DCA
U.S. Figure skating says member aboard crashed DCA plane
U.S. Figure Skating released a statement confirming some of their members were among the 64 people aboard the American Airlines flight that collided with an Army helicopter Wednesday night.
WASHINGTON - Following the midair collision near Reagan International Airport, U.S. Figure Skating confirmed several members were aboard the American Airlines flight that crashed into an Army Black Hawk helicopter Wednesday night.
What we know:
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said the collision occurred around 9 p.m. ET when American Airlines flight 5342, arriving from Wichita, Kansas, struck a military Black hawk helicopter while approaching the airport runway. Both aircraft then crashed in the Potomac River.
There were 60 passengers and four crew members aboard the American Airlines flight and three people aboard the Black Hawk at the time of the crash.
Officials confirmed Thursday morning that 28 bodies had been pulled from the wreckage of the crash.
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Current river conditions following fatal DC crash
Fox 5 DC's Meteorologist Mike Thomas walks through Potomac River's temperature and depth as rescue operations are underway.
What we don't know:
Officials said Thursday morning that no survivors are expected. The temperature of the river is around 35.4 degrees. According to the National Weather Service, individuals exposed to such temperatures could lose consciousness within 10 to 15 minutes.
What they're saying:
The Statement from U.S. Figure Skating reads:
U.S. Figure Skating can confirm that several members of our skating community were sadly aboard American Airlines Flight 5342, which collided with a helicopter yesterday evening in Washington, D.C. These athletes, coaches, and family members were returning home from the National Development Camp held in conjunction with the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas
We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims’ families closely in our hearts. We will continue to monitor the situation and will release more information as it becomes available.