The grim aftermath of last week’s devastating midair collision in Washington unfolds. Crews are racing against time to retrieve the last wreckage from the Potomac River. Their mission? Recover all 67 victims from the catastrophic crash between an American Airlines jet and a military helicopter.
Major wreckage pulled from river!
Monday morning, as the sun rose over the capital, the first major piece of debris emerged from the water. Salvage teams hoisted the engine of American Airlines Flight 5432 onto a barge. By noon, the fuselage followed. Next up? One of the jet’s wings, with crews aiming to lift it before the day’s end.
Search continues for remaining victims
Washington Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly remains steadfast: “We’re going to recover everyone.” So far, 55 victims have been identified. But with murky waters and near-zero visibility, the search is grueling. Crews won’t stop until every victim is found.
More human remains surfaced Monday. Investigators believe the rest may still be trapped within the wreckage. The Washington chief medical examiner’s office is working to confirm identities as quickly as possible.
Massive effort underway
This is no ordinary recovery. The Army Corps of Engineers is leading the charge, using a crane barge, deck barges, dive boats, and high-tech dive systems. Officials predict the entire wreckage removal process will take three days. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy personally oversees the operation.
Tuesday’s big lift: the cockpit!
Tuesday’s mission is clear—bring the cockpit to the surface. But officials warn that weather, especially strong winds, could delay progress. “We’re tracking the gusts and making adjustments,” said Colonel Frank Pera of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Despite the challenges, teams remain on schedule.
Once the wreckage is out, it heads straight to a hangar. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will dissect every piece, searching for answers. Investigators already have flight logs, voice recorders, and air traffic control data. They promise a preliminary report within 30 days.
The helicopter comes next
Attention will soon shift to the Black Hawk wreckage. The goal? Finish lifting all major debris by Saturday. Smaller pieces will be cleared until at least February 12. Whenever a body is discovered, work will halt immediately for recovery.
Col. Pera praised the extraordinary coordination behind this effort. “We won’t lose focus,” he vowed. “Safety comes first. And we will bring closure to the families.”
With every piece pulled from the river, the mystery of this horrifying crash inches closer to being solved. Stay tuned for the latest updates!
