Beijing demands inquiry into Washington mid-air crash that killed 2 Chinese nationals
China’s foreign ministry expresses ‘deepest condolences to all victims’ after US Army helicopter collided with passenger jet on Wednesday
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has demanded a full investigation into a collision between a passenger jet and a US Army helicopter in Washington on Wednesday night that killed 67 people, including two Chinese nationals.
In a statement on Friday, the ministry expressed its “deepest condolences to all the victims and sympathies to the bereaved families”.
“Two Chinese citizens were unfortunately among the 67 victims of the tragic plane crash at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on January 29,” the statement said.
The ministry requested that US authorities verify the information, officially notify the Chinese side and assist the victims’ families in managing the aftermath.
China’s US embassy said in statement that it would “provide consular protection and assistance within the scope of its responsibilities”.
Authorities said there were no survivors from the crash, which was the country’s deadliest aviation disaster in more than 20 years.
American Airlines Flight 5342, arriving from Wichita, Kansas, was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members when it collided with a Black Hawk helicopter transporting three military personnel.
