A tragic midair collision between a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines flight over the Potomac River has left the nation mourning.

The disaster on Wednesday night resulted in the deaths of all 67 people aboard the two aircraft, and the helicopter was taking part in a continuity of government exercise to prepare in the event of an attack, as the Daily Mail reports.

Just before 9 p.m., an unexpected collision occurred between a U.S. Army helicopter and American Airlines flight 5342.

The Black Hawk was engaged in a training exercise as part of a continuity of government plan, aimed at ensuring essential government operations persist amid disasters.

This particular mission was intended to simulate an emergency evacuation of U.S. government officials in the event of a national crisis.

Tragic Loss of Life

The collision caused a powerful fireball, visible to nearby motorists whose dashcams captured the catastrophic event. On the American Eagle jet, all 64 passengers perished. The U.S. Army helicopter carried a crew of three soldiers who died in the crash.

The pilot in charge of the helicopter was identified as Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Eaves. Also onboard were Staff Sgt. Ryan O'Hara, the crew chief, and a female co-pilot whose name was initially withheld at her family’s request.

This decision, the Army noted, is particularly unusual after next of kin have been notified, though the woman was eventually identified as Rebecca Lobach.

Recovery Efforts Unfold in Aftermath

Search teams recovered the bodies of Staff Sgt. O'Hara and the unidentified co-pilot, while recovery efforts continue for Chief Warrant Officer Eaves and several airline passengers.

The aircraft plunged into the Potomac River, complicating the recovery of remains and wreckage. Investigators promptly located the helicopter’s black box on Friday, which houses crucial flight data and cockpit recordings.

Similarly, teams retrieved the jetliner’s black boxes on Thursday night, offering invaluable insights into the moments preceding the collision.

The tragic incident has sparked a heated debate about the role of air traffic control. Ronald Reagan National Airport, dubbed the hub of operations during the crash, has faced criticism due to a noticeable shortage of air traffic controllers.

On the fateful night, one air traffic controller was unexpectedly permitted to leave early, leaving one colleague to handle a heightened workload alone.

Unforeseen Repercussions and Rumors Emerge

In the wake of the disaster, former President Donald Trump weighed in, positing that diversity, equity, and inclusion policies might have influenced the events leading to the crash, without providing further clarification.

The aftermath also shed light on the spread of misinformation. A rumor circulated online unfoundedly identifying a transgender woman named Jo Ellis as the helicopter co-pilot. She later set the record straight, denying the baseless allegations in an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail.

The United States Army emphasized that the protection of the co-pilot's identity stems from a direct request made by her grieving family. The New York Times underscored the peculiarity of this decision, calling it an unprecedented measure.

The investigation into the precise cause of the crash continues, with officials scrutinizing multiple factors including possible air traffic miscommunication. As authorities collect more evidence and details emerge, families and the public remain desperate for answers regarding the aviation tragedy.

The collision has reignited concerns over air safety protocols and staffing regulations, with calls intensifying for comprehensive reviews to prevent future occurrences. Meanwhile, a nation laments the lives lost in a preventable catastrophe as it awaits clarity and resolution.