The US Army Corps of Engineers, in collaboration with the Coast Guard and the Navy’s Supervisor of Salvage and Diving, is set to commence clearing the remains of a tragic midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Monday.
The operation will begin with the extraction of the American Airlines jet debris from the Potomac River, a process expected to span three days, as per the Army Corps’ statement. Following that, the focus will shift to removing the remnants of the involved Black Hawk helicopter. The goal is to complete the wreckage clearance by February 12, although this timeline depends on several conditions including lift priorities, weather, and tidal factors.
In the aftermath of this devastating collision, searches for human remains persist. The collision between American Eagle Flight 5342 and the helicopter resulted in an estimated 67 fatalities. As of Sunday afternoon, authorities had identified 55 bodies, but the recovery effort continues to be challenging due to poor visibility and debris hazards under the cold water. Chief John Donnelly of DC Fire and EMS expressed confidence that all bodies would eventually be retrieved.
Should additional human remains be discovered during the salvage efforts, operations will pause to prioritize a dignified recovery of the victims, stated Col. Francis Pera of the Corps’ Baltimore district. All aircraft parts retrieved will be transported for analysis to a hangar controlled by the National Transportation Safety Board, which leads the investigation into the collision.
The Coast Guard is maintaining a secure zone on the Potomac River, restricting access to authorized vessels only. Captain Pat Burkett of the Coast Guard’s Maryland-National Capital Region emphasized this measure to ensure operational safety.
Families affected by the accident remain steadfast, seeking closure through the recovery of their loved ones. Chief Donnelly noted their remarkable resilience amid the tragedy.
The clearing operation led by the Army Corps is a critical step in addressing the aftermath of this terrible accident, aiming to recover debris while respecting the victims involved. The coordination among agencies reflects a dedicated effort to carry out the recovery with utmost care and efficiency.
