Airplane accident in Washington, live: causes, number of dead, injured, survivors, and latest updates after the crash with a helicopter today.

A tragic aviation accident has shocked the nation this morning, following the collision of an American Airlines passenger plane with a U.S. Army military helicopter near Washington D.C. In this incident, it is reported that all individuals on board both aircraft, totaling 64 passengers and crew members, have lost their lives. The news has sparked an outpouring of grief and cast a shadow of uncertainty over the circumstances that led to this collision.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has stated that the accident was "absolutely preventable," emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation. During a press conference, Duffy clarified that weather conditions were optimal—clear skies and uninterrupted communication between the pilots and the control tower—making what happened even more perplexing. "This is not the time for speculation, but for investigation," said Senator Tim Kaine, who highlighted the importance of clarifying the facts.

Initial reports indicate that the pilot of the flight, with six years of experience with the airline, and his first officer, with two years at American Airlines, had not encountered any difficulties during the flight. Despite this, the investigation is focusing on how the collision occurred, especially in airspace where both aircraft were reportedly operating normally.

Rescue teams have so far recovered 27 bodies from the plane and one from the helicopter. Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser has announced that rescue efforts are facing "extremely frigid conditions" and strong winds, complicating the recovery of any potential survivors. "We do not believe there are survivors," confirmed Fire Chief John Donnelly, who also highlighted the challenges faced by rescue personnel due to the cold and ice in the water.

Among the passengers on the flight were 15 members of the U.S. figure skating team, including Russian coaches Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, who had arrived for competitions in Wichita, Kansas. The loss of these athletes has made a significant impact on the sports community, with tributes of condolence pouring in from various parts of the world, including supportive messages from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Images of rescue teams working under adverse conditions have flooded the media, while the families of the victims anxiously await any news about their loved ones. A relative of one of the passengers shared their distress, mentioning that they received a text message indicating that they would land in 20 minutes, which intensified their fear upon learning of the accident.

The context of the accident has also raised concerns regarding aviation safety in the country. Lawmakers have expressed their worries about the oversight of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), especially at a time when the agency is undergoing a leadership transition. Some experts suggest that the military helicopter should have maintained a greater safety distance from the commercial aircraft's flight path, a point that will be investigated.

Rescue operations are being closely monitored, and efforts are expected to continue given the challenging conditions in the Potomac River. Divers have been working tirelessly, but the low temperatures and darkness complicate their mission. "It's a large black spot at night with no lights, except for some lights from the buoys," the fire chief commented, describing the scene where they warn it could take days to recover all the bodies.

The echoes of this tragic event will resonate in the community and the nation, generating a debate about aviation safety and the need to review protocols to ensure that tragedies like this do not happen again. The affected, the families, and the entire nation await answers in the wake of this immense tragedy, which has left an indelible mark on the hearts of all.