An American figure skater was blocked from the American Airlines flight, which collided with a US army helicopter near Reagan International Airport on Thursday night.
Jon Maravilla told Russia’s Sputnik that he was not allowed to fly because his dog was too big to board. He said he eventually decided to make the 14-hour drive back from Wichita, Kansas, to Washington, DC, he also mentioned the question in his personal Instagram account.
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Rescue workers respond to stage on the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Thursday, January 30, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
“Not allowed former gate to board flight,” he wrote in a post. “Get me tf out of Kansas please.”
He added, “14 hours of travel begins.”
Maravilla told RIA Novosti that there were “about 14 figure trays in the plane and don’t count their parents and trainers,” according to the New York Times.
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Emergency lights are reflected in the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Thursday, January 30, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. (Alex Brandon)
“Such a tragedy,” he added.
At least 60 people were aboard the American Airlines flight.
American art skating did not confirm the number of members of its organization in the aircraft.
“The US Art Skating can confirm that several members of our skating were unfortunately aboard the American Airlines Flight 5342, which collided by a helicopter last night in Washington, DC,” the organization said. “These athletes, coaches and family members returned from the national development camp held in connection with the US art skating races in Wichita, Kansas.
Vehicles in emergency situations are near the place of the crash after the American Eagle Flight 5342 collided by a helicopter as he approached Reagan Washington National Airport and crashed into the Potomac River outside Washington, DC, January 29, 2025. (Reuters/Carlos Barria)
“We are destroyed by this indescribable tragedy and keep the victims’ families closely in our hearts. We will continue to monitor the situation and will release more information when it becomes available.”
