By New York Times
The American Airlines jet plunged into the Potomac River after the collision. Sixty-four people were on the plane, including figure skaters returning from a camp in Kansas.
Multiple Casualties Feared as Commercial Jet Collides with Army Helicopter Near Washington
A tragic midair collision occurred Wednesday night near Reagan National Airport, as a commercial jet carrying 64 people collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, crashing into the Potomac River.
Authorities have yet to confirm casualties or whether any bodies have been recovered. However, Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas indicated the potential for significant loss of life, calling it an “unbearable sorrow.”
Details of the Incident
The Collision: The crash took place around 9 p.m. as the commercial aircraft approached Runway 33 at Reagan National, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The aircraft, operated by PSA Airlines for American Airlines, was a Bombardier CRJ700. The Army helicopter, a Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk, had three crew members on board and was operating out of Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
Emergency Response: Over 300 emergency responders have been deployed, facing hazardous conditions due to the Potomac River’s cold, murky waters. Search and rescue efforts are further complicated by freezing overnight temperatures. Authorities reported visible wreckage, including a wing and part of the fuselage protruding from the river.
Federal Response: Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that the Coast Guard has been dispatched for search and rescue operations. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is also sending investigators to assess the crash.
President Trump’s Statement: While details remain unclear, President Trump speculated on the cause, calling the incident “a bad situation that should have been prevented.”
Crash Site Scene: Emergency crews worked through the night, with helicopters and police boats scanning the area near the military base on the Potomac’s east side. Multiple dive teams have been assembled but may have to wait until daylight to begin underwater operations. Meanwhile, the Red Cross has mobilized disaster relief supplies to Reagan National Airport.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the collision, and updates are expected as more information becomes available.
