Emergency responders are actively searching the Potomac River following the collision of a passenger plane and Army helicopter, resulting in the deaths of at least 18 individuals, including members of the skating community returning from a camp.
Tragic Mid-Air Collision Claims Lives in Washington DC
Tragic Mid-Air Collision Claims Lives in Washington DC
A devastating plane crash involving an American Airlines passenger jet and a US Army helicopter has resulted in multiple casualties in Washington DC.
A tragic incident unfolded in Washington DC on Wednesday evening when a PSA Airlines jet, which was operating as American Airlines flight 5342, collided mid-air with a US Army helicopter during its approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The passenger plane, a Bombardier CRJ700, was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, while the helicopter, a Sikorsky H-60, had three soldiers aboard.
The crash occurred at approximately 21:00 local time (02:00 GMT), with the plane crashing into the Potomac River. As search and rescue efforts continue amidst freezing temperatures, authorities have confirmed that 18 bodies have been recovered from the water. The nearby airport has grounded all flights as investigations are underway.
Eyewitness accounts paint a harrowing picture of the event. One witness driving along the George Washington Parkway observed the aircraft emitting "streams of sparks" before it banked sharply, suggesting a critical malfunction. Another observer noted irregular flight patterns from the planes just prior to the crash.
Officials from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are collaborating on the investigation. Immediate responses from government officials, including President Donald Trump, have expressed concern over the incident and highlighted the ongoing rescue efforts. The American Airlines CEO conveyed deep sorrow over the loss of life, while the skating community mourned the loss of colleagues who were on board.
With around 300 responders engaged in the difficult search operations, conditions in the Potomac pose significant challenges due to wind and ice. Local officials remain focused on recovery efforts even as they face ongoing discussions regarding potential changes to the area’s flight patterns to enhance safety in the future.
