ARLINGTON, VA — Some members of the U.S. Figure skating community were reportedly on board a passenger jet that crashed into an Army helicopter.
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We have the latest information on this breaking news today on News Center 7 at Noon and 5:00.
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As previously reported by News Center 7, American Airlines flight 5342 carried 60 passengers and four crew members. Three soldiers were on board the helicopter at the time of the crash near Reagan National Airport.
U.S. Figure Skating confirmed to CBS affiliate WUSA9 in Washington D.C. that several members of “our skating community” were on board the passenger jet.
“U.S. Figure Skating can confirm that several members of our skating community were sadly aboard American Airlines Flight 5342, which collided with a helicopter yesterday evening in Washington, D.C.,” the organization told WUSA9. “These athletes, coaches, and family members were returning home from National Development Camp held in conjunction with the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas.
“We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims’ families closely in our hearts,” the organization said. “We will continue to monitor the situation and will release more information as it becomes available.”
The International Skating Union also released a statement Thursday morning.
“The International Skating Union (ISU) and the global skating community are deeply shocked by the tragic accident involving an American Airlines flight in Washington, D.C. last night. We are heartbroken to learn that Figure Skaters, along with their families, friends, and coaches, are understood to be among those on board.
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy. Figure skating is more than a sport—it’s a close-knit family—and we stand together. We remain in close contact with U.S. Figure Skating and offer our full support during this incredibly difficult time.”
No official death toll was announced at an early Thursday news conference but a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press there were multiple fatalities.
CBS News reports at least 19 bodies have been recovered.
Reagan National Airport wrote on social media that all flights have been canceled.
They do not expect flights to resume until at least 11 a.m. today. The airport advises customers to stay in touch with their airline for schedule updates.
We will update this story.
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