Cypriot President Expresses Condolences After Tragic Plane Crash in the U.S.

The President of Cyprus, Nicos Christodoulides, has extended his condolences following a tragic plane crash in the United States that claimed the lives of at least 30 people, including Russian figure skaters. The Cypriot leader described the incident as a “heartbreaking tragedy” and expressed his deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of the victims.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of the United States,” Nicos Christodoulides wrote in a post on X. In his message, he also acknowledged U.S. President Donald Trump.

The crash, the deadliest aviation accident in the U.S. in the past 15 years, occurred early Thursday morning in Washington. A regional passenger plane, a Bombardier operated by American Airlines, was en route from Wichita, Kansas, to Washington when it collided with a U.S. Army Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk helicopter. Both aircraft plunged into the Potomac River.

The passenger plane was carrying 64 people, most of whom were U.S. national figure skating team members and coaches, including individuals of Russian descent. They were on their way to Washington after the national championship, which took place in Wichita from January 20 to 26. The helicopter carried three military personnel.

Rescue efforts continue at the crash site, and so far, the bodies of 30 victims have been recovered. Among those confirmed dead are world figure skating champions Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, as well as Inna Volyanska, a bronze medalist at the Soviet Union championship in pair skating. Current U.S. athletes Spencer Lane, Gina Han, Franco Aparisio, Everly and Alidia Livingston, Shawn Kay, Angela Young, and Edward Zhou are also among the deceased.

As of now, no survivors have been found.

Following the crash, Reagan Airport was shut down and will remain closed until at least the morning of January 31.