China urges U.S. to expedite probe into the cause of deadly plane crash

In this image provided by the U.S. Coast Guard, wreckage is seen in the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Washington, D.C., January 30, 2025. /CFP

China's Foreign Ministry on Friday urged the U.S. to expedite its probe into the cause of a collision between a helicopter and a passenger plane that sent both aircraft into the Potomac River near Washington, D.C.

Preliminary verification indicates that two Chinese nationals tragically lost their lives in the incident, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said.

Following the incident, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese Embassy in the United States immediately activated the emergency response mechanism, the spokesperson said.

No survivors have been found after the crash, which took place on Wednesday.

The Chinese foreign ministry also urged the U.S. to promptly provide updates on the search and rescue efforts and ensure proper follow-up measures.

China will offer necessary assistance to the bereaved families of the deceased Chinese citizens in managing the aftermath, the spokesperson added.