A salvage effort near Washington, D.C. is underway after the collision of an American Airlines passenger jet and a Black Hawk Helicopter killed 67 people, making it the deadliest air disaster in more than two decades. The Army Corps of Engineers is working to remove the fuselage of the plane and helicopter from the Potomac River. Family members of the victims were taken to the crash site, where a memorial has been set up with flowers, stuffed animals, and photos of the deceased.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause of the collision, noting that the helicopter may have been flying above the maximum altitude for its route. The helicopter was on a routine training mission on the night of the crash, practicing maneuvers for potential evacuations of senior U.S. officials. American Airlines Flight 5342 had departed from Wichita, Kansas, and was in the process of landing when the collision occurred.
The recovery effort has identified 55 of the 67 people killed in the crash, with the investigation ongoing. The Potomac River remains off-limits to unauthorized vessels while the salvage operation continues. Check back for updates on the progress of the recovery and investigation.
