Richmond, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) - In the aftermath of an American Airlines mid-air collision near Reagan Washington National Airport, Governor Youngkin and other Virginia leaders have expressed sorrow for the victims and gratitude for first responders.
During an appearance on NBC’s “Today” Show on Thursday morning, Youngkin said he learned that the plane appeared to be making a normal approach before crashing at around 9 p.m. on Wednesday.
"This flight from Wichita to D.C. was making a normal approach and what I've been told is everything was normal. Of course, it wasn't," Youngkin said. "This tragic collision which brought down both aircrafts into the Potomac, with the American Airlines flight inverting in the river, brought down with it tragically 60 passengers, four crew from the American Airlines flight and three crew from the military helicopter."
Officials said Thursday morning that all 67 people aboard American Airlines Flight 5342 out of Witchita, Kansas are feared dead.
U.S. Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine also reacted to the tragedy during a Thursday morning news conference near the Potomac River, where the plane crashed.
"There are going to be a lot of questions, obviously, a lot of questions," Kaine said. "And that's what NTSB's job is, is to be an independent investigator of incidents like this."
Warner expressed condolences and praised the quick response of authorities from the federal government.
"When tragedy happens, all of those distinctions between the various jurisdictions and our federal partners all disappear,” Warner said.
In a statement on X, Warner added: “We’ll continue to provide updates at every turn and pray for the families of those we lost.”
