President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the catastrophic midair collision in Washington, D.C., that claimed multiple lives, describing it as a heartbreaking tragedy.
In a statement via his verified X account, Tinubu extended Nigeria’s condolences to the government and people of the United States, particularly the families of the victims. He also commended the swift response of emergency teams working under difficult conditions to manage the aftermath of the disaster.
The fatal accident, which occurred around 9 p.m. on Wednesday near Ronald Reagan National Airport, involved American Eagle Flight No. 5342, a regional jetliner carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, and a Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk helicopter carrying three U.S. military personnel.
By Thursday morning, authorities had confirmed the recovery of at least 19 bodies from the Potomac River, with no survivors found. The collision resulted in three distinct debris fields, complicating ongoing search and recovery efforts.
Chief John Donnelly of the District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services described the operation as an arduous task, given the freezing temperatures and turbulent waters.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that the American Eagle flight, operated by PSA Airlines, was on approach to land when the tragic collision occurred. Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are now working to determine the cause of the incident.
As the world reels from this devastating loss, President Tinubu’s message of solidarity underscores Nigeria’s commitment to standing with its allies in times of grief.
PIONEER NEWS 