King Charles ‘shocked and saddened’ as monarch releases heartfelt statement
King Charles has released a heartfelt statement following Wednesday’s tragic air incident in Washington, DC, that killed 67 people.
The monarch, 76, also paid tribute to the emergency responders “who acted quickly” after an American Airlines passenger plane and a helicopter collided in mid-air in the US capital city.
The crash left no survivors between the plane carrying 60 passengers and four crew members and a Black Hawk military helicopter with three soldiers on board.
The two aircraft collided when the plane came in for a landing at the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
King Charles wrote: “My family and I have been profoundly shocked and saddened by the dreadful news of the tragic air accident in Washington, D.C., which has led to such a devastating loss of life.”
“Our hearts, and our special thoughts, are with the people of the United States and our deepest possible sympathy goes to the families and loved ones of all the victims.”
“I would also like to pay a particular tribute to the emergency responders who acted so quickly to this horrendous event.”
He signed the message with “Charles R”, his personal signature.
Both aircraft remain in the Potomac River in the US capital, with the process of identifying the victims recovered still ongoing.
The incident occurred at 9pm local time, with fireboats and vehicles carrying first responders and investigators from various agencies, rushed to the crash site.
The responders, praised by Charles, including the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Officials highlighted the challenging conditions in which they were working due to ice floating on the freezing-cold river, and contending with the plane wreckage.
LATEST ROYAL NEWS:
- King set to use ‘wider audience’ to rival Harry and Meghan amid royal feud
- Mother of toddler describes ‘surreal’ moment Kate stops car after daughter shouts: ‘Hello Princess’
- Prince Andrew was dealt major blow after being ordered to pay £30m for estate following rule change
Victims known to be on the flight included top figure skaters, a young pilot, flight attendants, and a lawyer travelling home on her birthday.
The 67 victims also comprise of a range of nationalities.
Flight-tracking data appears to suggest the helicopter was flying above the permitted altitude minutes before the collision.
The cause of the collision remains under investigation.
The King and Queen shared a similar message of condolence in December last year for the victims of a plane crash in South Korea that killed 179 people.
In a Buckingham Palace statement, the King said: “My wife and I were profoundly saddened to learn of the horrific air accident at Muan, which resulted in such grievous loss of life.
“As the people of the Republic of Korea mourn this disaster, the families and loved ones of all the victims are in our prayers.”
King Charles and Queen Camilla were last seen hosting an event for around 270 new MPs and peers at Buckingham Palace on January 29.