President Obama says the U.S. is working with European partners to determine how many Americans may have been killed when a Germanwings flight crashed in the French Alps Tuesday and killed all 144 on board.
Speaking at a press conference alongside Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, the president offered condolences to the families of the victims. At least two babies and more than a dozen children were among the passengers, according to media reports. The flight left Barcelona Tuesday morning and was destined for Germany.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with our friends in Europe, especially the people of Germany and Spain following a terrible airplane crash in France. It’s particularly heartbreaking because it apparently includes the loss of so many children, some of them infants,” Mr. Obama said. “Our teams are in close contact and we’re working to confirm how many Americans may have been on board.”
The president said he’s already talked with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and intends to speak with Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy later in the day.
• Ben Wolfgang can be reached at bwolfgang@washingtontimes.com.
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