A devastating mid-air collision between an American Airlines passenger jet and a U.S. military Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., has resulted in both aircraft plunging into the Potomac River. Tragically, none of the 67 people on board have been found alive so far.
Rescue Efforts Continue Amid Harsh Conditions
Rescue teams have recovered 19 bodies so far, with operations hampered by darkness and freezing temperatures. Approximately 300 personnel from D.C. Fire and Emergency Services are actively searching the icy Potomac waters for possible survivors.
The American Airlines flight, identified as Flight 5342, was a Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet operated by PSA Airlines, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members from Wichita, Kansas. The Black Hawk helicopter had three U.S. military personnel on board and was reportedly on a training mission at the time of the crash.
Eyewitness Reports and Investigation Underway
Authorities received multiple distress calls around 8:53 PM (local time) reporting a collision over the Potomac River. A security camera at Kennedy Center captured an aerial explosion near the crash site, confirming the catastrophic impact.
Emergency responders have deployed fireboats and inflatable rescue vessels, but debris is scattered widely across the river. Officials confirm that the airport will remain closed until at least 11:00 AM on Thursday as the investigation unfolds.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a full-scale probe into the crash, with the NTSB leading the investigation.
Reactions from Officials
President Donald Trump has been briefed on the tragedy, questioning why the helicopter did not maneuver “up or down” to avoid impact. He later posted on Truth Social, calling it a “preventable disaster.”
Meanwhile, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and Senator Roger Marshall have expressed their concerns, staying in close contact with federal authorities for further updates.
This remains an ongoing investigation, and more details will be released as they become available.