DC plane crash wreckage to be removed beginning Monday, 12 bodies yet to be recovered

The process of removing the debris from the fatal midair crash close to Reagan National Airport will commence on Monday morning. Authorities have mentioned that 12 of the victims have not been found yet. 

The tragic incident involved a collision between a Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and a Bombardier CRJ700 airliner, which was being operated by PSA Airlines, a subsidiary of American Airlines. This took place on Wednesday night and resulted in the loss of 67 lives. D.C. Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly, Sr. stated on Sunday that the remains of 55 victims have been positively identified as the search operation persists.

“We are optimistic about being able to locate all the victims. However, the current whereabouts of all of them remain unknown,” said Donnelly as preparations were being made for Monday’s undertaking. 

Col. Francis Pera from the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers said he anticipates “a successful lift,” noting they will cover the wreckage with a tent to protect any human remains. 

Families visit plane crash site in DC

An American Airlines jet passes as family members of the victims of a midair collision between an American Airlines jet and an Army helicopter stand at the end of runway 33 near the wreckage site in the Potomac River at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, on Sunday, Feb. 2, in Arlington, Va.  (AP/Jose Luis Magana)

Pera said divers at the site are equipped with HD cameras, whose feeds are being monitored inside a support boat. 

“So you honestly, you’ve got four or five sets of eyes looking inside [the] wreckage at the same time,” he said. 

Pera also said that “reuniting those lost in the tragic incident is really what keeps us all going.”

“We’ve got teams that have been working this effort since the beginning and we’re committed to making this happen,” he said.

On Sunday, families of the victims visited the crash site.  

Connolly said while the lift operation is ongoing, local teams “will continue to search down the shorelines and around the river to make sure that we’re getting all the debris that’s out there.” 

Emergency response units search the crash site of the American Airlines plane on the Potomac River

Emergency response units search the crash site of the American Airlines plane on the Potomac River on Thursday, Jan. 30. (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

“And if by chance, as a member of the public, you come across some of that, you should call 911 and report it to them, and we will get it taken care of and get it examined,” he said. 

You May Also Like
Super Bowl LIX: Inside elite SWAT team's final sprint to secure New Orleans

Insider look at elite SWAT team’s last-minute efforts to secure New Orleans during Super Bowl LIX.

Matthias Hauswirth from New Orleans was captured in a photo praying on…
Question on Jeffrey Epstein ties prompts reported foul-mouthed response from new UK ambassador to US

New UK ambassador to US responds angrily to question about Jeffrey Epstein connections

Incoming UK ambassador walks back prior comments on Trump Lord Peter Mandelson,…
Southern California Edison's equipment may have started major wildfire: CEO

Potential Blaze Originates from Southern California Edison Equipment, CEO Says

Southern California Edison, a power provider for about 15 million Californians, has…
‘Severance’ Season 2, Episode 4: 5 Things You May Have Missed, From MDR’s Creepy Twins To The Glasgow Block

Catch up on ‘Severance’ Season 2, Episode 4: Unnoticed Details Including the Creepy Twins and the Glasgow Block

Severance Season 2, Episode 4, “Woe’s Hollow,” was a masterpiece unlike anything…
Secrets of Meghan's show revealed by those who've seen it: They tell what Netflix insiders are really saying - and their verdict will shock you, reveals ALISON BOSHOFF

Insiders spill the beans on Meghan’s show: Netflix insiders give their honest opinions – prepare to be surprised, says ALISON BOSHOFF

Getting ready to join Prince Harry at the opening of the Invictus…
Chicago airports working to close air traffic controller staffing gaps in wake of deadly DCA crash

Efforts by Chicago airports to address air traffic controller staffing shortage following fatal DCA crash

Recently, there has been a sharp focus on the nation’s airline systems…
'Nazi' Kanye West says he loves Hitler, DOES control wife Bianca Censori and is prepared to die as he launches into vile sexist, homophobic and racist rant

Kanye West, accused of Nazi behaviors, expresses admiration for Hitler, asserts dominance over wife Bianca Censori, and is willing to risk his life while spewing hateful and discriminating remarks against various groups.

Kanye West shocked fans by going on a disturbing rant where he…
Trump Issues Executive Order to Protect Gun Rights

Executive Order Signed by President Trump to Safeguard Second Amendment Rights

President Trump has recently signed an executive order called “Protecting Second Amendment…
‘Selling The City’s Justin Tuinstra Says There Was No Awkwardness After Taking Eleonora Srugo’s Virgnity For The Second Time

“Selling The City’s Justin Tuinstra Shares How Comfortable It Was Reconnecting With Eleonora Srugo Intimately for the Second Time”

Just a little over a month ago, the show Selling the City…
Super Bowl reporter Adan Manzano's death takes shocking twist as female suspect with history of drugging men is arrested

Female suspect with history of drugging men arrested in shocking turn of events following Super Bowl reporter Adan Manzano’s death

A person has been taken into custody in connection to the demise…
Savannah Guthrie Recalls The Moment Khloe Kardashian “Saved My Butt” On ‘The Today Show’: “I Was Very Embarrassed”

How Khloe Kardashian Came to the Rescue on ‘The Today Show’: Savannah Guthrie Shares Embarrassing Moment

Savannah Guthrie opened up about one of the most “embarrassing” moments from…
Brian Jordan Alvarez's 'English Teacher' renewed for season 2 by FX

FX Renews Brian Jordan Alvarez’s Show ‘English Teacher’ for Second Season

HOLLYWOOD — “English Teacher” follows the life of a gay high school…