On a seemingly ordinary Wednesday evening, January 29th, 2025, Shakira Gonzalez Peña Dubé, a TikToker known as @nosoyshakira, found herself at the center of a tragic event that unfolded right outside her apartment window in Crystal City, Virginia. Overlooking the bustling Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Dubé’s routine night took an unexpected and distressing turn as she witnessed the aftermath of a mid-air collision between an American Airlines passenger jet and a Black Hawk helicopter.
Dubé, a 26-year-old market and economics researcher, initially noticed an unusual flurry of lights at the airport. Accustomed to the typical nighttime activity at DCA, she sensed something was amiss. “I looked out the window and thought, ‘What are all those lights?'” she recounted in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE. The sheer number of emergency vehicles converging on the tarmac signaled a serious incident. Driven by a sense of unease, she and her husband immediately turned to their phones for answers.
A Night of Shock and Disbelief: The DCA Crash Unfolds
The news headlines confirmed their worst fears: a crash at DCA. While neither Dubé nor her husband witnessed the actual impact, the unfolding scene before their eyes painted a grim picture. Dubé, compelled to document the events, began sharing live updates on her TikTok account, providing a real-time, firsthand perspective of the tragedy. Her videos captured the chaotic scene: flashing lights from emergency vehicles reflecting on the Potomac River, where the downed aircraft lay.
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The initial reports indicated a collision involving a D.C. police helicopter. However, it was later confirmed that a military Black Hawk helicopter was involved. The American Airlines flight, en route from Wichita, Kansas, carried 60 passengers and four crew members. The Black Hawk had three individuals on board. Tragically, it was believed that there were no survivors.
From Observer to Witness: Processing the Trauma of a National Tragedy
The emotional weight of witnessing such a devastating event took its toll on Dubé. “I started shaking, getting choked up, just thinking about it. It was surreal,” she confessed, tears welling up. The realization that the crash could have easily occurred directly above her building amplified her fear and anxiety. She spent a sleepless night, haunted by the images of the wreckage and the knowledge that bodies were being recovered from the river just outside her window. The proximity of the tragedy made it impossible to ignore or detach from the unfolding events.
Dubé immediately contacted her family to assure them of her safety. She and her husband remained glued to the news coverage throughout the night, seeking updates and trying to make sense of the catastrophe. The constant stream of information, coupled with the visual reminders outside their window, made it incredibly difficult to process the trauma.
The Aftermath and a Call for Empathy: Remembering the Victims of the DCA Crash
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In the days following the crash, Dubé continued to observe the recovery efforts from her apartment. The increased activity, with spotlights illuminating the river and numerous boats involved in the search, served as a constant reminder of the immense loss of life. She noted the stark contrast between the initial chaos of the night and the more organized, yet somber, recovery operations during the day. Dubé expressed a desire to participate in a memorial for the victims, a sentiment likely shared by many in the community grappling with the tragedy.
Beyond the Headlines: A Human Perspective on Loss and Resilience
Dubé’s experience underscores the profound impact of tragic events on those who witness them firsthand. Her story transcends the headlines, offering a poignant reminder of the human cost of such disasters. In the face of immense tragedy, Dubé’s call for empathy resonates deeply. She urges people to remember the victims and their families, to avoid politicizing the event, and to prioritize compassion and understanding.
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Frequently Asked Questions About the DCA Plane Crash
What caused the DCA plane crash? The crash was caused by a mid-air collision between an American Airlines passenger jet and a Black Hawk helicopter. The specific details leading to the collision are still under investigation.
Were there any survivors of the DCA plane crash? Tragically, there were no survivors. The American Airlines flight carried 64 people (60 passengers and 4 crew), and the Black Hawk helicopter had 3 people on board.
Where did the DCA plane crash occur? The crash occurred in the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington D.C.
Who is Shakira Gonzalez Peña Dubé? Shakira Gonzalez Peña Dubé is a TikTok user (@nosoyshakira) and a market and economics researcher who witnessed the DCA plane crash from her apartment window and shared her experience on social media.
How can I help the victims of the DCA plane crash? While direct assistance might not be possible, respecting the victims and their families, avoiding the spread of misinformation, and contributing to reputable charities supporting disaster relief efforts are meaningful ways to show support.
