Salvage operations underway following DC plane crash; additional bodies removed from river


Cleanup continues on the Potomac River days after a passenger plane and an Army Black Hawk helicopter collided in mid-air, leaving 67 people dead. 

The salvage operation began at sunrise and ended for the day just before sunset. 

Federal authorities said Monday that parts of the American Eagle jetliner have been pulled out of the Potomac River as remains of some of the victims have also been found.  

FOX 5 was at the site as crews began pulling the wreckage from the frigid waters. Just after 12 p.m., the first large, shredded section of the doomed jet was pulled out of the river.  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers used cranes to do the heavy lifting.

Officials say recovering all parts of the submerged aircraft could take a few days. Recovery of the helicopter in another part of the river will begin after the passenger plane is fully recovered.  

DC plane crash: 12 victims remain missing as crews begin removing wreckage from river

Once the two aircrafts are out of the water, crews will begin combing the river for other debris using salvage baskets.

Earlier, one of the jet's engines could be seen up on the barge deck.  FOX 5 was told when human remains were found at a couple of points throughout the day and the work was paused.

Also on the river, the Coast Guard is maintaining a safety zone north of the Wilson Bridge. No other boats are allowed on the river for now.

"Our goal for today was to get to the engine, the fuselage and the wing, and we’re going to be successful by the end of the day. Our goal for tomorrow, based on the reduced timeline and the environmental conditions, is the cockpit and we think will be successful," said Col. Francis Pera with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers while speaking to press around 4 p.m. Monday. 

Authorities have also issued a warning, saying if you happen to be along the river's edge and see what looks like debris don't touch it — just call police.

FOX 5 was told the parts of the jet recovered today will remain on the barges overnight and on Tuesday, the parts will be brought to a hanger at Reagan National to be then examined as part of the investigation.

The Source: Unified Command officials

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