The sky above D.C. on Wednesday night was dark.

Hardly any illumination from the moon, cold wind blowing across the city.

And then, just before 9 p.m., Washington, D.C. air traffic control staff saw a bright explosion.

How did you see that?

An American Airlines regional passenger jet flying from Wichita, Kansas into Ronald Reagan, Washington National Airport, collided with an Army Blackhawk helicopter.

Both aircraft plunged into the frigid Potomac waters below.

Some 300 responders rushed to help, searched through debris, searched for any survivors, among the 64 people

aboard the American flight, and the three on board the helicopter. John Donnelly, chief of DC

fire and EMS, told reporters Thursday morning that they worked through extreme conditions.

They found heavy wind. They found ice on the water and they're operated all

night in those conditions. Early this morning, the search and rescue mission became a recovery

mission. No survivors are expected. Donnelly said he was confident that all of the bodies would

ultimately be recovered from the collision. Communities across the country

were affected by the crash, but grief hung particularly heavy in Wichita, where the plane

originated. In an emotional press conference, Mayor Lily Wu said the tragedy will unite

D.C. and Wichita forever. At this time, our community needs to come together, to support the family members who have

been impacted, to come together in honor of those individuals on that flight.

And as a council, we will lead in bringing this community together.

Grief was also palpable in Norwood, Massachusetts, near Boston, where members of the

skating club of Boston mourned the passengers affiliated with their organization.

Dr. Tinley-Albright is one of the longest serving members of the club and a former Olympic champion.

I really can't believe that it happened because I picture them right here.

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