King Charles shares 'deepest possible sympathy' for Washington plane crash victims
King Charles has released a statement in the wake of the horrific Washington DC plane crash just days ago.
"My family and I have been profoundly shocked and saddened by the dreadful news of the tragic air accident in Washington, D.C., which has led to such a devastating loss of life," the 76-year-old said about the American Airlines crash.
"Our hearts, and our special thoughts, are with the people of the United States and our deepest possible sympathy goes to the families and loved ones of all the victims."
READ MORE: How a humble corner store created a Sydney institution with a legacy spanning three generations
SANDRINGHAM, NORFOLK - DECEMBER 25: King Charles III attends the 2024 Christmas Morning Service at St Mary Magdalene Church on December 25, 2024 in Sandringham, Norfolk. (Photo by Jordan Peck/Getty Images) Jordan Peck|Getty Images
"I would also like to pay a particular tribute to the emergency responders who acted so quickly to this horrendous event," he concluded the February 1 statement.
The January 29 commercial flight had been travelling from Wichita, Kansas and had collided with a military helicopter, causing it to crash into the Potomac River.
All 67 people involved in the accident died.
The American Airlines Flight 5342 had 60 passengers and four crew members on board., while the Sikorsky H-50 Black Hawk helicopter carried three soldiers while mid-air at 8.48pm on Wednesday (1.48pm Thursday AEDT).
The plane crash is now the deadliest US air crash in nearly 24 years.
Passengers on the flight included 14 youth figure skaters who were returning from the U.S. Figure Skating's development camp in Kansas earlier this week.
READ MORE: The royal relationship that nearly derailed the monarchy but is thriving 60 years later
It comes as an eyewitness to the Washington plane disaster has described seeing the plane at a 90 degree-angle seconds before the crash.
Ari Schulman said he was driving home when he witnessed the collision.
"Initially I saw the plane and it looked fine. Normal. It was right about to head over land, maybe 120 feet (36m) above the water," Schulman told CNN.
Seconds later, the plane "was banked all the way to the right… past 90 degrees.
"I could see the underside of it. It was lit up a very bright yellow, and there was a stream of sparks underneath it and then everything went dark," he said.
FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.
Most viewed in Royals
Prince William and Kate back return to official duties with subtle nod to Prince Harry
Grace Kelly’s granddaughter engaged after decade-long romance
Norwegian royal family member dies just days after King Harald’s state funeral
Fresh blow for Prince Harry days after King’s letter clarifying his and Meghan’s royal status