WASHINGTON, D.C. — A devastating midair collision between an American Airlines passenger jet and an Army helicopter over Washington, D.C., Wednesday night has left no expected survivors, officials said Thursday. The crash, which occurred around 9 p.m. local time as the jet approached Runway 33 at a D.C. airport, has now shifted from a search-and-rescue mission to a recovery operation. First responders have recovered at least 19 bodies from the Potomac River, according to CBS News.
The American Airlines flight, traveling from Wichita, Kansas, was carrying 83 passengers and crew members, while the Army helicopter had a crew of five on board. The collision sent debris scattering across the river and nearby areas, prompting a massive emergency response.
However, the tragedy has taken a controversial turn as new details emerge about the passengers and crew aboard the ill-fated flight. Sources confirm that among the passengers was a whistleblower from OpenAI, the artificial intelligence research organization. The individual, whose identity has not been disclosed, was reportedly traveling to Washington to meet with lawmakers and regulators regarding concerns about AI safety and ethical practices within the company.
Adding to the intrigue, the pilot of the American Airlines flight was reportedly hired through a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiative, according to internal documents reviewed by AP. While the pilot’s qualifications have not been publicly questioned, the revelation has sparked a heated debate online, with critics of DEI programs suggesting that the hire may have played a role in the crash.
An insider source close to the investigation, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, raised further questions about the incident. “This wasn’t just an accident,” the source said. “There are too many coincidences here—a whistleblower on board, a DEI-hired pilot, and a collision with a military helicopter. This has all the hallmarks of an inside job.”
The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a full investigation into the crash, with officials emphasizing that it is too early to determine the cause. “Our focus right now is on recovering the victims and supporting their families,” an NTSB spokesperson said. “We will follow the evidence wherever it leads.”
Meanwhile, OpenAI released a statement confirming that one of its employees was aboard the flight but declined to comment on the nature of the individual’s work or travel plans. “We are deeply saddened by this tragedy and are cooperating fully with authorities,” the statement read.
The DEI pilot hire has also drawn scrutiny, with some critics questioning whether the initiative may have compromised safety standards. American Airlines defended its hiring practices in a statement, saying, “Our pilots undergo rigorous training and meet all FAA requirements, regardless of how they are recruited. We stand by our commitment to diversity and inclusion.”
As investigators work to piece together what happened, the crash has ignited a firestorm of speculation and conspiracy theories. Social media platforms are abuzz with claims of foul play, while political commentators have seized on the incident to debate broader issues, from AI regulation to corporate hiring practices.
For now, the families of the victims are left to grieve as the recovery effort continues. The crash marks one of the deadliest aviation incidents in recent U.S. history, and the questions surrounding it are unlikely to fade anytime soon.
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