4 Maryland labor union members presumed dead after plane crash near Washington, D.C.
BALTIMORE -- Four members of a Prince George's County-based labor union were onboard a plane that collided with an Army helicopter Wednesday in Washington D.C., and are now presumed dead, union leaders said in a social media post.
The plane was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, and the Black Hawk helicopter was carrying three soldiers when they collided near Reagan National Airport, CBS News reported.
On Thursday, around 8 a.m., D.C. Fire and EMS officials said at least 28 bodies had been recovered and they did not believe there were any survivors, making the incident the deadliest U.S. air crash in nearly a quarter century.
Leaders of Steamfitters United Association Local 602 confirmed Thursday that four members were among the victims in the crash.
The union represents workers in the heating, air conditioning, refrigeration and process piping industries in the D.C. Metro area.
"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," General President Mark McManus and Business Manager Chris Madello said in a statement.
"These members will be forever in our hearts, and may God bless them and their loved ones," the statement read.
Maryland officials assist with response
Officials from across Maryland responded to the crash Wednesday and were on the scene Thursday to help with the search effort.
The Maryland Department of Emergency Management raised the state's activation level to "partial" early Thursday morning and Maryland State Police deployed divers to help.
Anne Arundel County Fire officials said they sent 15 members and two boats to the scene, including divers, special operators and administrative staff.
Maryland Natural Resource Police also sent patrol vessels along with its Aviation Unit and Underwater Operation Team. Crews remained on the scene Thursday morning to assist with recovery efforts, officials said.
The Baltimore Police Department sent its Underwater Recovery & Dive Teams.
D.C. Fire and EMS officials thanked first responders from around the state for helping in the emergency response, including Baltimore City Police and Charles County Fire.
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