Several Victims Identified In US Mid-Air Collision Over Potomac River, Black Box Recovered

WASHINGTON, Jan 31 (Bernama-UPI) -- The identities of several passengers and crew aboard an American Airlines flight and a US military helicopter involved in a mid-air collision have been confirmed, while a black box has been recovered, United Press International (UPI) reported.

More than 40 of the 67 bodies from Wednesday night’s crash, which occurred at 9 pm local time (EST) near Reagan International Airport, were retrieved from the Potomac River by late Thursday afternoon.

At least one of the aircraft’s black boxes has also been recovered, according to major news outlets including CNN, ABC News, and Newsweek.

All 67 on board perished, including several figure skaters who had participated in a US Figure Skating developmental camp in Wichita, Kansas.

The airliner had 64 passengers and crew when it departed Wichita, while the US Army helicopter was carrying three soldiers on a training flight.

The bodies of the three soldiers were recovered on Thursday, but their identities have not been disclosed, pending family notifications, local media WJLA reported on X.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a video statement that the military helicopter was conducting an annual proficiency training flight.

"It was a fairly experienced crew performing the required annual night evaluation. They were equipped with night vision goggles," he stated.

"We anticipate the investigation will swiftly determine whether the aircraft was within the designated flight corridor and at the correct altitude at the time of the incident."

Hegseth added that next-of-kin notifications for the three soldiers were ongoing.

"It's a tragedy, a terrible loss of life -- 64 souls on that civilian airliner and, of course, the three soldiers in that Black Hawk. They are in our prayers. We are actively investigating to establish what happened and why," he said.

US President Donald Trump earlier expressed condolences for the victims during a White House briefing.

"I speak to you this morning in an hour of anguish for our nation. Sadly, there are no survivors. This was a dark and excruciating night in our nation’s capital and our history -- a tragedy of terrible proportions. As one nation, we grieve for every precious soul taken from us so suddenly."

He acknowledged the deep impact of the tragedy, saying, "Our hearts are shattered. In moments like this, the differences between Americans fade to nothing compared to the bonds of affection and loyalty that unite us. We are one family, and today we are all heartbroken, searching for answers."

Trump confirmed that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and the US military will conduct a thorough investigation into the crash.

-- BERNAMA-UPI