PM Modi Expresses Grief Over Washington DC Plane-Helicopter Collision

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep sorrow over the tragic plane-helicopter collision in Washington DC, which resulted in the loss of several lives.

In a post on X, PM Modi conveyed India’s solidarity with the people of the United States and offered his condolences to the victims’ families.

PM Modi’s Statement of Solidarity

Prime Minister Modi shared his grief on social media, writing, “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.”

The deadly mid-air collision occurred between an American Airlines regional jet and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter in the Washington DC area, marking the deadliest such incident since 2001.

According to sources, the collision resulted in no survivors. The crash occurred during a nighttime training exercise, with a US passenger jet carrying 64 people crashing into the Potomac River. The jet had been making its final approach to Washington’s Reagan National Airport after departing from Wichita, Kansas.

Moments Leading To Crash

The collision happened around 9:00 p.m. (0200 GMT) on Wednesday, just moments after an air traffic controller at Reagan National Airport instructed the military helicopter to maintain visual contact with the jet.

The controller had directed the helicopter to pass behind the aircraft, but seconds later, the two collided.

A nearby pilot, witnessing the event, urgently radioed the tower: “Tower, did you see that?”

In response to the crash, authorities launched an extensive search and rescue operation, deploying over 300 emergency personnel to the scene.

Investigators are now focusing on how such a collision could occur, given that the passenger jet was equipped with collision-avoidance technology. The investigation will also examine how two aircraft, operating in one of the most tightly regulated airspaces in the country, could collide.

Aviation Safety Concerns

Washington DC’s airspace is known for its congestion, with civilian aircraft frequently flying at low altitudes and military helicopters operating at various elevations.

The presence of multiple aircraft types in such limited airspace has become a focal point for investigators trying to determine the cause of the crash.

Aviation experts are now scrutinizing the factors that led to this tragic event, raising questions about airspace management and the effectiveness of collision-avoidance systems in preventing such disasters.

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