Lawmakers are looking for answers after a midair collision left 67 people dead.
Local lawmakers offered their condolences and prayers on social media after an American Airlines flight and a military helicopter collided and crashed into the Potomac River near Reagan National Airport on Wednesday night.
Officials said at a press conference Thursday morning that they don’t believe there are any survivors, and they have recovered 27 people from the plane and one from the helicopter.
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"Devastating to hear how this tragic event has touched folks from all over the country, including here in Massachusetts. My heart goes out to the Skating Club of Boston, and the loved ones of the skaters, parents, and coaches lost in last night’s crash," Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey said in a post on X on Thursday.
Speaking Thursday at a Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association meeting, Healey started by acknowledging "the terrible tragedy last night on the Potomac."
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"I spoke with my friend Governor Laura Kelly, of Kansas. It appears there are no survivors. You may have heard there were a number of figure skating folks who were impacted here and who were killed. I believe six were affiliated with the Skating Club in Norwood. We'll get more details on all of this."
"Certainly I offered our support and solidarity to the governor, and also our thoughts to the families affected and our thoughts and strength to the many professionals and first responders -- emergency personnel and medical professionals -- working through all of this right now," Healey added. "Not that we need any reminders in this world, but everything can change in the blink of an eye. It's a sad perspective check and a reminder, but it is reality. It's the reality of the world, which is at times even more tenuous and fragile."
Healey was just one of many political leaders who weighed in on the tragedy.
"We are just devastated following the news," said Boston Mayor Michelle Wu.
"This plane crash is devastating," Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren said. "My heart is with the families who lost loved ones. I’m grateful for the emergency responders’ tireless efforts through the night."
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"The plane crash near DCA is an unthinkable tragedy, and my heart is with the victims’ families and loved ones," Massachusetts Sen. Ed Markey said. "I'm grateful for the work of the emergency responders at the scene. This incident demands a full investigation by the FAA, NTSB, American Airlines, and DOD."
"My prayers are with everyone impacted by the terrifying incident near DCA — the passengers, their families, and the brave first responders working tirelessly to save lives," Massachusetts Congresswoman Katherine Clark added. "I’m holding onto hope at this time and will continue to monitor the situation.
"My heart breaks for the victims, their families, and everyone impacted by this horrible tragedy," Massachusetts Congressman Jim McGovern said. "Praying that there will be survivors, and for the safety of all the heroic first responders working tirelessly at the scene right now. America mourns tonight."
"There's going to need to be a full and impartial investigation that encompasses both the military and commercial aviation authorities," said Rep. Jake Auchincloss of Massachusetts. "Congress' role here is primarily going to be ensuring that there is no turf wars and full information sharing."
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Rep. Seth Moulton, a member of the House Armed Services Committee and House Transportation Committee, wrote on social media that there needs to be "a clear and transparent accounting of what happened."
"As we continue to receive information about the aircraft collision at Washington National Airport, I'm devastated by the loss of six Massachusetts residents, including two young teenagers. My heart is broken for their families, friends and the Skating Club of Boston community," Massachusetts Congresswoman Lori Trahan said.
She added that she expects a full briefing.
"There are a lot of questions, and I think people want those questions answered," she said.
"Facts need to come before opinions, need to come before prescriptions," said Auchincloss.
"I’m monitoring the horrible, tragic incident outside of DCA last night and my thoughts are with the families of the passengers and crew of the flight as well as servicemembers in the Army helicopter. Thank you to the first responders for working through the night," New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen said.
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"The news of a passenger plane crash at DCA tonight is devastating," New Hampshire Sen. Maggie Hassan added. "As we wait for more information my prayers are with everyone involved."
"I am shocked by the news of a crash involving an American Airlines plane and a military helicopter. I am praying for the passengers and crew aboard both aircraft," Connecticut Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro said. "I am closely monitoring the situation as we learn more."
"My heart goes out to all the victims’ families and to the first responders. So so awful," Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy said.
"Keeping the victims of the tragic plane crash at DCA and their families in my thoughts and prayers today, including the Barrington, RI community members who lost their lives," Rhode Island Congressman Gabe Amo said. "Thank you to the first responders for their immediate recovery efforts and ongoing work."
"Completely heartbroken by the crash at DCA from which there are believed to be no survivors. I'm praying for all of the affected families and sending my immense gratitude for the emergency responders working tirelessly through the night," Vermont Congresswoman Becca Balint said.
"My heart goes out to the families of the American Airlines passengers and Army soldiers involved in last night's plane crash in Washington, DC," Congresswoman Jahana Hayes of Connecticut said. "I am grateful to the first responders who acted swiftly and continue to manage the situation. My continued prayers go out to all.
Rhode Island Sen. Jack Reed offered his "deepest condolences" to the families, loved ones and communities impacted by the tragedy and said he is continuing to monitor the situation closely.
"This was an absolutely devastating incident and our thoughts are with the victims and those impacted. It's important to allow experts to drill down and gather all the facts and get people the answers they deserve."
"This is an unimaginable tragedy," Maine Congresswoman Chellie Pingree said. "My heart breaks for the passengers, crew, and service members who lost their lives, and for all their loved ones. I'm grateful to the first responders who worked tirelessly throughout the night and are continuing with recovery efforts today. In the days and weeks ahead, we must seek answers and understand exactly what happened—so we can ensure that a devastating accident like this never happens again."
"I join all Americans in sending my thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of those involved in the devastating crash at DCA last night," Massachusetts Congressman Richard Neal said. "We are grateful to the heroic first responders who are working tirelessly in the face of tragedy."
"Like so many others across the nation, I send my deepest sorrows to the families of the 64 American Airlines passengers and crew, & the three Army soldiers who tragically lost their lives," Connecticut Congressman Joe Courtney said. "Thank you to the first responders who are still on the scene leading recovery efforts."
"My heart breaks for the loved ones & all those killed aboard the two aircraft involved in last night’s horrible mid-air collision at National Airport in DC," Connecticut Sen. Richard Blumenthal said. "I thank the first responders for their swift & critical help at the scene."
"The news of the air collision in Washington, D.C. is shocking—my thoughts are with those impacted by this tragedy," Vermont Sen. Peter Welch said. "I'm thankful for the first responders, medical providers, and law enforcement on the scene."
"My heart goes out to everyone impacted by last night's plane crash in Washington - the victims, their families, and the first responders are in my prayers," Massachusetts Congressman Bill Keating said.
"My heart is broken for Rhode Islanders Christine and Spencer Lane, and all who lost their lives in the tragic accident that took place last night at Reagan National Airport in Washington, DC," Rhode Island Congressman Seth Magaziner said. "The loss of two of our own is a tragedy for the entire Ocean State. I am committed to working with my colleagues in Congress to learn how this horrific accident occurred and what steps must be taken to ensure safer air travel in the future."