LifestyleTrump's controversial remarks spark outrage after plane tragedy

Trump's controversial remarks spark outrage after plane tragedy

After the passenger plane disaster, America is in mourning. However, it turns out not everyone shares the same sentiment. When a reporter asked Donald Trump if he planned to visit the crash site, the president began making jokes.

Donald Trump's speech after the catastrophe on the Potomac
Donald Trump's speech after the catastrophe on the Potomac
Images source: © East News | Alex Brandon

During a press conference at the White House, Donald Trump confirmed that there were no survivors of the Potomac disaster, involving the collision of an American Airlines plane with a military helicopter. The disaster occurred on 29 January, when the plane, carrying 64 people, was approaching Ronald Reagan Airport.

Reporters questioned the president about the details of this tragic event, which deeply affected public opinion in America. At one point, a question was raised about whether the president would be going to the crash site. When Trump began to respond, the journalists likely wondered if they had heard him correctly, as the president began making light of the situation.

- I have a plan to visit, not the site. Because you tell me, what’s the site? The water ? You want me to go swimming? - asked the American president rhetorically.

Trump blamed the crew of the military Black Hawk helicopter for the tragedy, claiming they did not follow instructions. He also criticised the employment of individuals with "severe intellectual disabilities, psychiatric problems and other mental and physical conditions" as air traffic controllers. He promised to restore confidence in American aviation while criticising his predecessor, Joe Biden.

Background of the disaster

The aeroplane disaster in Washington, which resulted in the death of 67 people, shook the nation. The passenger plane collided with a military helicopter, and both aircraft crashed into the Potomac River. The father of one of the pilots suggested that an error by the helicopter crew might have been the cause, pointing to challenging weather conditions and limited visibility.

Pope Francis sent his condolences to U.S. President Donald Trump, expressing spiritual closeness to those affected by the tragedy. In a telegram, he emphasised his prayers for the victims and support for those involved in the rescue operation. Bodies of the victims are still being retrieved from the river.

The National Transportation Safety Board is conducting an investigation into the disaster, analysing recordings from the control tower and flight recorders. Experts are examining whether crew errors, weather conditions, or technical failures were responsible for the tragedy. The investigation may take several years.

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