AIR TRAGEDY IN THE U.S. MOURNS PAN AMERICAN SPORT

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The accident between a commercial airliner and a military helicopter in Washington resulted in the death of 64 people. Most of them belonged to a U.S. Figure Skating delegation that was returning to the U.S. capital after participating in a Camp and competitions in the city of Wichita.

A tragedy of proportions occurred last night in Washington, United States. The American Airlines plane, a Bombardier CRJ700, collided in midair with a Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk military helicopter, causing the destruction and fall of both aircraft into the Potomac River.

The U.S. authorities, who are in full investigation of what happened and the rescue of the victims, in their official version stated that 64 people were traveling in the commercial aircraft, most of them belonging to a delegation of athletes and figure skating coaches from the northern country, who were returning from competitions in the city of Wichita, Kansas.

Following the tragedy, the U.S. Figure Skating Federation shared a statement lamenting the serious accident.

“Several members of our skating community were sadly on board American Airlines Flight 5342, which collided with a helicopter yesterday afternoon in Washington, D.C. They were returning home from the National Development Camp held in conjunction with the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita” the statement notes.

“We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the families of the victims close to our hearts. We will continue to monitor the situation and will release more information as it becomes available,” the Federation said.

U.S. authorities continue to search for the bodies, ruling out any survivors of the tragedy.

Panam Sports President Neven Ilic and his Executive Committee regret this terrible accident, and convey all support and condolences to the families and friends of the deceased, and of course, to the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC).