PM Modi Expresses Condolences Over Washington DC Plane Collision
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Synopsis
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound sorrow over the Washington DC midair plane-helicopter collision, stating India's solidarity with the US. The incident claimed multiple lives, with no survivors reported, leading to an ongoing investigation into air safety policies.
Key Takeaways
- PM Modi mourns loss of life in Washington DC collision.
- Trump attributes incident to Democratic policies.
- The collision involved an American Airlines jet and a US Army Black Hawk.
- Over 300 emergency personnel responded to the crash.
- Airspace congestion is under investigation.
New Delhi, Jan 31 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday conveyed his sorrow regarding the tragic loss of lives in the Washington DC midair plane-helicopter collision, affirming that India stands united with the citizens of the United States. In a post on X, PM Modi expressed his deep sadness about the incident, stating, "Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the tragic collision in Washington DC. Our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. We stand in solidarity with the people of the United States."
Previously, President Donald Trump confirmed there were no survivors from the incident involving an American Airlines regional jet and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter in the Washington, DC area. This collision stands as the deadliest since 2001.
Trump attributed the tragedy to Democratic policies, criticizing the diversity policies enacted during the Obama and Biden administrations for undermining safety standards in aviation. This came after it was revealed that there were no survivors in the catastrophic midair accident.
The US passenger jet, carrying 64 individuals, plunged into the Potomac River after colliding with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter during a nighttime training operation.
The incident transpired around 9:00 p.m. (0200 GMT) on Wednesday as the aircraft approached Washington's Reagan National Airport after departing from Wichita, Kansas.
Just under 30 seconds before the collision, an air traffic controller at Reagan National Airport radioed the military helicopter: "PAT25, do you have the CRJ in sight?" Shortly thereafter, another instruction was relayed: "PAT 25 pass behind the CRJ." Mere seconds later, the two aircraft collided. A witnessing pilot urgently reported over the radio: "Tower, did you see that?"
Authorities swiftly initiated a comprehensive search and rescue operation following the crash, deploying over 300 emergency personnel to the site.
Aviation experts and investigators are now analyzing how a modern passenger jet, equipped with collision-avoidance technology, could collide with a military aircraft in one of the nation's most closely monitored airspaces.
The airspace over Washington is notorious for its congestion, with civilian aircraft often flying at low altitudes over the city. Military and government helicopters operate at varying elevations at all hours. The interaction of different types of aircraft in such confined airspace has become a central point of the investigation.
