Ex-world champion figure skaters in tragic American Airlines plane crash in Washington DC
An American Airlines plane carrying 64 people collided with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter on Wednesday night.
A massive search operation is underway near the Potomac River and Reagan National Airport, which is located near Washington DC.
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John Donnelly, DC Fire and EMS Chief, said Thursday that it doesn't appear anyone survived the collision.
“We are now at a point where we’re switching from a rescue operation to a recovery operation," Donnelly said.
"At this point, we don’t believe there are any survivors from this accident."
Russian state media outlet TASS reported that former world champion figure skaters Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, who are married, were onboard.
The US Figure Skating organization confirmed in a statement that multiple figure skaters and coaches were aboard the American Airlines flight.
Russia's Mash news outlet published a list of 13 skaters who were onboard.
"Several members of our skating community were sadly aboard American Airlines Flight 5342, which collided with a helicopter in Washington, D.C.," the US Figure Skating organization said.
"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."
Nineteen bodies have been recovered so far from the crash area, according to multiple reports.
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U.S President Donald Trump posted a statement on Truth Social addressing what he described to be a 'preventable' situation.
"The airplane was on a perfect and routine line of approach to the airport," Trump said.
"The helicopter was going straight at the airplane for an extended period of time. It is a CLEAR NIGHT, the lights on the plane were blazing, why didn’t the helicopter go up or down, or turn.
"Why didn’t the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane. This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!"
American Airlines also confirmed the collision and issued a video statement from CEO Robert Isom.
"American Eagle Flight 5342 en route from Wichita, Kansas (ICT), to Washington, D.C. (DCA) was involved in an accident at DCA," American Airlines said.
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"The flight was operated by PSA Airlines with a CRJ-700.
"There were 60 passengers and four crew members on board the aircraft.
"Our concern is for the passengers and crew on board the aircraft. We are in contact with authorities and assisting with emergency response efforts.";
Former Washington quarterback Robert Griffin III was among athletes responding to the tragic crash.
"Prayers up for everyone involved in the plane crash at DCA," Griffin tweeted.
Ex-NASCAR and IndyCar driver Danica Patrick also offered support for the families affected by the collision.
"I am in DC and ... and heard about the plane crash here," Patrick tweeted. So unbelievable and so sad."
There was not an immediate answer on the specific cause of the crash.
"There were other of our fellow citizens there," Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.
"Bad news from Washington today."
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