US President Donald Trump declared that there were no survivors from the air collision that occurred the day before between a military helicopter and a passenger plane over the Potomac River, describing the event as a great tragedy for the American nation.
“Unfortunately, there are no survivors,” the American leader said from the White House briefing room, while expressing his deepest condolences to the families of the victims.
He assured that the relevant authorities are working non-stop to gather information and understand the causes of this air disaster, writes CNN.
Trump stressed that he was addressing the American people in an “hour of anguish” and asked for a moment of silence at the beginning of his speech, as a sign of respect and honor for the lives lost. He said that this was a difficult day for the nation and that his administration was doing everything possible to help the families affected by the tragedy.
“The work has now shifted to a search and recovery mission,” the president said, adding that rescue and investigation teams are working closely to find the bodies of the victims and understand more about the circumstances of the crash.
He described Wednesday evening as “a dark and painful night in our nation’s capital and in our nation’s history,” comparing it to the greatest tragedies to have struck the country.
In conclusion, Trump assured the public that the federal administration is fully committed to providing assistance and support to all those affected by this tragedy, while emphasizing that investigations will continue to determine the causes of this fatal crash.