By Victor Kanayo
Some athletes and their coaches are reportedly among the 60 passengers aboard the plane involved in a late-night collision between a US Army helicopter and an American Airlines jet.
The sportsmen and women were reportedly returning from an engagement when the incident occurred.
According to New York Daily, “The athletes were among 60 passengers and four crew members aboard American Eagle Flight 5342 when the crash happened in Washington, D.C., just after 9 p.m. on Wednesday.
“Traveling at a height of around 400 feet and a speed of 140 miles per hour at the time, the plane experienced a sudden loss of altitude just as a Black Hawk Army helicopter crossed directly into its flight path, not far from Ronald Reagan National Airport.
“Hundreds of first responders arrived at the scene despite the harsh weather conditions. Reports indicate that the rescue search is still ongoing, and 28 bodies have so far been recovered by the brave responders.”
Doug Zeghibe, CEO of the Boston Skating Club, told journalists that “to the best of our knowledge, 14 skaters returning home” from the U.S. Figure Skating National Championships in Wichita, Kansas, were killed in the Wednesday, January 29, crash.”
He said the Skating Club of Boston had sent 18 athletes to compete at the National Championships in Wichita.
