President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the death of at least 18 persons in an air accident in Washington DC, United States.
DECENCY GLOBAL NEWS reports that a passenger jet carrying 64 people crashed into Washington’s Potomac River on Wednesday after colliding midair with a military helicopter near Ronald Reagan National Airport.
The tragic incident, which occurred around 9 pm on Wednesday, resulted in the death of 18 persons and many injured.
The Bombardier plane, operated by an American Airlines subsidiary, was approaching Reagan National Airport at around 9:00 pm (0200 GMT) after flying from Wichita, Kansas, when the collision happened.
The aircraft involved was a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700, operating as an American Airlines flight, and a US Army Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.
According to the US Federal Aviation Administration, the plane carried 60 passengers and four crew members, while the military helicopter had three personnel on board.
In a post via his verified X handle on Thursday, Tinubu commiserated with the families of the victims, the people of the United States, and all affected by the sad incident.
He wrote, “I am deeply saddened by the tragic incident in Washington, D.C.
“On behalf of Nigeria, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, the people of the United States, and all affected by this profound loss. I commend the courageous efforts of first responders and emergency teams for their selfless work in harsh conditions.
“Nigeria stands in solidarity with the United States Government and its People, united in grief and hopeful for a new day.”
