WASHINGTON (TNND) — The largest plumbers union in the U.S. said Thursday it was “heartbroken” to announce several of its members were among the victims of the Wednesday night collision between a passenger jet and Army helicopter near Washington, D.C.
The United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada (UA) said in a statement shared to X four of its members were on board American Airlines Flight 5342. The individuals were part of the union’s Steamfitters Local 602, a local chapter based in Capitol Heights, Maryland, according to UA.
“The entire United Association is grateful to the first responders who worked tirelessly through the night, and who will continue to investigate what happened,” UA said in the statement. “Our focus now is on providing support and care to the families of our Brothers as we continue to gather more information in the coming days.”
These members will be forever in our hearts, and may God bless them and their loved ones,” the statement continued. “May they forever rest in peace.”
UA noted it plans to share a “nationwide UA relief effort” for the four members’ families. The union represents over 380,000 plumbers, pipefitters, sprinkler fitters, HVACR service technicians, welders and pipeliners, according to its website.
Washington, D.C., Fire and EMS Chief John A. Donnelly said early Thursday morning authorities do not believe there are any survivors after the collision near Reagan National Airport. At least 28 bodies have been recovered from the Potomac River as of Thursday morning, according to officials.
READ MORE | No survivors after plane collides with Army helicopter, crashes into Potomac near DCA
The American Airlines flight, which was coming from Wichita, Kansas, was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, the airline said in a statement. Three U.S. Army soldiers were aboard the helicopter, according to federal officials.
Other passengers aboard the American Airlines flight included members of the Skating Club of Boston. Doug Zeghibe, the CEO of the club, said in a statement Thursday six individuals associated with his organization were victims of the crash.
Coaches Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, athletes Spencer Lane and Jinna Han and parents Christine Lane and Jin Han were aboard the plane, according to Zeghibe. He said the members had gone to Wichita for the U.S. Figure Skating Championships and a development camp.
“Skating is a tight-knit community where parents and kids come together 6 or 7 days a week to train and work together,” Zeghibe said. “We are devastated and completely at a loss for words.”
