DC plane crash: Wreckage removal begins Monday

Wreckage Removal Begins Monday

ARLINGTON, Va. – Work to remove the wreckage of the American Airlines jet that collided with an Army Black Hawk helicopter and crashed into the Potomac River began Monday morning.

D.C. Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly said at a news conference that divers scoured the submerged debris over the weekend for more remains. Authorities have recovered and identified 55 of the 67 people killed in the crash. Divers still need to find the bodies of 12 more victims.

Authorities Recover 55 Bodies from Crash Site

Col. Francis B. Pera of the Army Corps of Engineers said divers and salvage workers are following strict procedures and will halt the removal of any wreckage if a body is found.

READ MORE: 55 victims positively identified following deadly DC plane crash; aircraft to be lifted Monday

“Reuniting those lost in this tragic incident is really what keeps us all going,” Pera said, according to the Associated Press. “We’ve got teams that have been working this effort since the beginning, and we’re committed to making this happen.”

Pera said divers are using high-definition cameras with feeds monitored on support boats.

Victims’ Families Visit Crash Site

Families of victims of the deadliest U.S. air disaster since 2001 visited the crash site on Sunday and were taken by bus to the Potomac River bank near where the two aircraft came to rest after colliding.

The American Airlines jet from Wichita, Kansas was preparing to land at Ronald Reagan National Airport when it collided with the helicopter, which was on a training mission. There were no survivors from either aircraft.

Federal investigators continue to piece together the events that led to the collision.

READ MORE: DC plane crash: Conflicting altitude readings come out after deadliest U.S. air accident in a generation