“Thinking that people died here were terrible”

Washington DC. The United States is shaken by the worst aviation disaster in decades.

Emily Keisker, 26, was one of the first to land at the airport after the fatal accident – but she did not dare to look out over the wreck or the search for the bodies.

– There was a lot of anxiety.

At the luggage band at Ronald Reagan Airport, Emily Keisker stands noticeably influenced by what has happened.

The night before Thursday, a passenger plane collided with a military helicopter, and crashed in the water just outside the airport. 67 people lost their lives.

Emily spans her shoulders when she thinks about it.

– They probably only had 30 seconds left for landing before it was small. They thought they were there, she says.

Air traffic was stopped immediately after the accident, but resumed half a day later. Emily and her boyfriend, Tyler McCauley, 26, were some of the first to land when the airport was opened again.

Looking for the bodies

On their arrival, a pale January sun shines over the wreckage that lies scattered in the Potomac River, where boats and divers are still looking for the bodies in the icy water.

These are the remains of the worst aviation disaster the United States has experienced in two decades, and interest is huge. Journalists from all over the world have besieged the terminal with cameras and stands.

Emily and Tyler, who come from St. Louis, hesitated a long time before deciding to dare to board their plane to DC, only hours after hearing about the crash.

– I didn’t sleep a close all night. It was just anxiety, says Emily.

For Tyler, who barely flown before, the experience was also scary – although he believes the collision was an unfortunate coincidence, somewhat unpredictable.

– Thinking about it all night, morning and during the flight was horrible. We had to close the windows on the flight. It was nasty to even look out.

The worst was the landing, says Emily. As the plane approached the capital, she saw the river and part of the ongoing search effort. But she quickly turned her eyes away.

– Thinking that “here people died”, was terrible. We held each other’s hands and just waited.

When the plane finally landed, it burst for her.

– I started crying. Overwhelmed by everything that could have happened – and everyone who couldn’t do it. It’s not fair.

Many came from figure skating world

At the accident site, the traces of the tragedy are still visible. Sirens sound, diving vehicles and search helicopters are in full activity. Large green areas along the river and at the airport are blocked off while the investigation is ongoing.

At the same time, the image of the victims is clearing.

Many of the on board the accident plane that came from Kansas came from the figure skating world – athletes, coaches and their families. Ice drinks along the east coast of the United States are now mourning their lost riders.

On Thursday, President Donald Trump also confirmed that no survivors were found.

“This was a dark and painful night in the history of our nation,” he said at a press conference in the White House.

Trump to quick attack

The reasons behind the accident are still unclear. The night was done, the visibility was good and the pilots experienced.

But Trump still chose to point out scapegoats. He accused his democratic predecessors, Biden and Obama, for lowering the demands of air traffic controllers during his time in power.

Trump claimed that it was their focus on diversity within the US Federal Aviation Authority FAA that may have contributed to the accident.

“FAA has actively recruited workers who suffer from severe intellectual disabilities and psychiatric problems,” he said among other things.

The criticism of Trump did not wait.

“FAA employees with disabilities did not cause yesterday’s tragic accident,” said the American Association for Person with Disabilities in a statement.

Tennessee Garvey, pilot and chairman of the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals, also reacted sharply.

– There are very strict standards that make air traffic in the US very safe. Regardless of your background or skin color, everyone must undergo the same exercise program, he told CNN.

At the same time, staff shortages are identified as a possible cause of the crash. According to a report, which the New York Times took part in, the control tower was not fully staffed at the time of the accident. A single person communicated with both helicopters and aircraft – a job that is normally distributed between two people. The control tower at Reagan airport must have long been understaffed, the magazine writes.

In the arrival hall at the airport, Emily and Tyler gather their bags after the trip. They are on their way to a conference on child entertainment – an event filled with magic, face painting and balloon art. It feels like a strange contrast, they say, when the capital is burdened by grief.

– Thinking of all those who were on board, to try to understand who they were … it’s inconceivable. A terrible feeling, says Tyler.

– Suddenly I’m a little scared to fly.