Washington DC plane crash: more than 40 bodies recovered; Trump claims army helicopter was flying too high – live updates | Washington DC plane crash

Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, has defended president Donald Trump’s post on social media this morning, where he said that the military helicopter flying was too high, despite officials still investigating.

“The president is simply stating what he said, which is that the helicopter was flying higher than it should have been, which is one of the reasons that led to this collision” Leavitt said during the press briefing. “And the other reasons for that are still being investigated.”

Leavitt also said that the president believes that it is safe to fly and that Americans should feel safe to fly.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt is currently holding a press briefing.

Stay tuned for updates.

The flight number of the American Eagle jet that collided with the military helicopter is reportedly being retired, according to NBC News.

The outlet reported that American Airlines has announced that the flight number, 5342, will be retired.

NBC reports that it is a common for flight numbers to be retired after major aviation accidents.

The University of Delaware has announced that figure skating coach, Sasha Kirsanov, was aboard the flight on Wednesday.

A statement from the school reads, “At this time, we are aware that Sasha Kirsanov, a former coach of the UD Figure Skating Club, was on the airplane.”

The university believes that Kirsanov was traveling with two young skaters who were not university students but were members of the University of Delaware Figure Skating Club.

It is not known yet whether the young skaters were accompanied by their parents or other chaperones, according to the statement.

“Kirsanov and the skaters trained at the University’s High Performance Training Center, which uses UD ice rink facilities and has been the training home for many years of multiple world-class skating champions and competitors” the school said. “The figure skating community is tight-knit, and many of our students and coaches have trained and competed alongside those who were lost.”

Chrissi Rawak, the school’s athletic director added that Kirsanov’s “presence was felt deeply in our ice arenas, where he devoted countless hours to the UD Figure Skating Club.”

“His dedication forged meaningful connections throughout the UD family” Rawak said, adding that his “passion and commitment touched many lives, leaving a permanent mark on our campus.”

Here is a quick summary of what has happened so far today:

Trump accused of ‘exploiting disaster’ with crash comments

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is open and “operating normally today” the airport said in a statement on X.

“Passengers are encouraged to check with their airlines for delays or cancellations” it added.

A Cedarville University student has been identified as another one of the passengers on the flight, the university said.

Thomas White, the president of Cedarville University in Ohio, told reporters that student Grace Maxwell was on the American flight after attending her grandfather’s funeral, according to NBC News.

“You know, I talked to her dad. I said, ‘What can we do?’” White said. “There’s no words that make this OK. There’s nothing that makes this easier. I can’t say anything that takes away your hurt or your pain.”

Maxwell was a junior majoring in mechanical engineering, the university said.

The Philippine National Police has identified Police Colonel Pergentino N Malabed, chief of the supply management division, as one of the passengers who was on board the American Airlines flight.

In a statement on Facebook, the Philippine National Police said:

The Philippine National Police mourns the tragic loss of Police Colonel Pergentino N. Malabed, Chief of the Supply Management Division, who was among those on board the American Airlines flight that collided midair with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., and crashed into the Potomac River on Wednesday night.

PCOL Malabed was on official travel at the time of the incident, fulfilling his duty as a dedicated police officer—committed to the service of protecting and securing both the PNP and the nation. His untimely passing is a profound loss to the PNP, where he served with honor, integrity, and dedication throughout his career.

We extend our deepest condolences to his bereaved family, loved ones, and colleagues. The PNP is committed to providing them with all necessary support during this difficult time

As we grieve this tragic event, we also honor the dedication and sacrifice of PCOL Malabed. His contributions to the PNP and the nation will never be forgotten.

Teaching union leader Lindsay Fields among victims, says NABT

Here are some images coming through the newswires of recovery efforts currently under way in the Potomac River and from around Ronald Reagan National Airport:

President of National Air Traffic Controllers Association says that he stands behind “every highly skilled, highly trained air traffic controller that is out there.”

In an interview with CBS News this morning, Nick Daniels, the president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, outlined the many tests and trainings required for the job, and said that any certified air traffic controller out there “it doesn’t matter their race, color, religion , you can know you are in the best hands that take that responsibility very seriously everyday.”

Daniels’ remarks come as President Donald Trump said yesterday that DEI initiatives at the Federal Aviation Administration have lowered the quality and talent of air traffic controllers.

In response, Daniels said, “I couldn’t tell you exactly what he was talking about because the quality of air traffic controllers out there is outstanding.”

GE Aerospace says employee Vikesh Patel was on the plane

Divers will help the National Transportation Safety Board today to conduct additional searches to locate aircraft components, support the investigation, and “begin operations to salvage the aircraft” at he Washington DC fire and EMS department said.

Overnight last night, boats remained on the scene for “security and surface searches from local, state, and federal regional partners” the department said.

US aviation authority restricts helicopter flights near Reagan National airport indefinitely

A family friend has confirmed the deaths of two young figure skaters, Everly Livingston, 14, and her 11-year-old sister, Alydia, along with their two parents, Donna and Peter.

“The Livingstons were just – they were just a big personality family” family friend Kim Urban, whose children had skated with Everly and Alydia for years, told CNN. “They were loving, they were thoughtful.”

Urban described Donna and Peter as “extraordinarily supportive” and “loving parents” who “were doing anything for their children.”

“Alydia and Everly were bright children, very talented skaters and super bubbly” Urban added.

More than 40 bodies recovered from Potomac River