S’pore sends condolences to US over Washington air disaster
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SINGAPORE – Singapore and its leaders have sent their condolences to the US over a mid-air crash
“The Singapore Government conveys its deepest condolences to the US government and to the families and loved ones of those who have perished in the tragic air crash between American Airlines Flight 5342 and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter,” a spokesperson for Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said on Jan 31.
In a Feb 1 letter to US President Donald Trump, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said he was “deeply saddened” by the incident.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families.
“We hope those affected will find comfort and strength in the support of their loved ones and their communities,” said PM Wong.
Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan sent his condolences to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a letter dated Jan 31, and said that “(his) heart goes out to all the people who have lost their loved ones in this tragedy”.
No Singaporeans have been affected by the accident so far, MFA said, adding that the Singapore Embassy in Washington is in contact with the US authorities.
The accident occurred as the passenger jet en route from Wichita, Kansas, was approaching to land at the airport.
The plane collided with the helicopter and crashed into the Potomac River.
A total of 60 passengers and four crew members were aboard the jet, while the helicopter was carrying three soldiers on a training flight
Among the American Airlines flight passengers were ice skaters
Investigators have recovered the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder from the Bombardier CRJ700 plane, as well as the helicopter’s black box, and are expected to release a preliminary report within 30 days.
