Families waiting at the airport to greet their loved ones were met with unimaginable tragedy last Wednesday night. A passenger plane, just minutes from landing, collided midair with a military helicopter in a fiery explosion, sending 67 lives into the icy waters of the Potomac River.

What began as a frantic search for survivors quickly turned into a somber mission to recover the remains of everyone on board. As of Sunday, 55 bodies have been identified, but the effort has been grueling. Diving teams face near-zero visibility, sharp debris, and the tangled wreckage of the aircraft.

Hundreds of rescue personnel, including the US Coast Guard, FBI dive teams, and local fire departments, are working tirelessly to bring closure to grieving families. "They’re getting home, crashing into deep sleeps, and then getting up to do it all over again," said David Hoagland, president of Washington, DC’s Firefighters Local 36. "They’ll be there as long as it takes."

The recovery process has been slow and dangerous. Divers are using specialized tools to cut through the plane’s mangled fuselage, but heavier equipment is needed to remove larger sections of the wreckage. A marine salvage crane, capable of lifting debris, is expected to arrive soon to aid in the effort.

Conditions have been harrowing for the divers. The cold, murky water, combined with debris and jet fuel, has made the task even more challenging. "It’s very strenuous work—you’re half swimming, half walking in the mud," explained DC Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly.

Despite the difficulties, responders remain committed. The emotional toll is heavy, especially as crews recover the bodies of children. Mental health support is being provided to first responders grappling with the trauma of the scene.

As recovery efforts continue, authorities are also preparing for a thorough investigation into the cause of the collision. For now, the focus remains on bringing every victim home. "This is a tragedy," Donnelly said. "One life lost is hard—67 is a lot."