Search for Survivors After Plane and Helicopter Collision in Washington DC
Authorities are searching the Potomac River for survivors after a tragic collision between an American Airlines plane and a U.S. Army helicopter, resulting in fatalities and extensive emergency response efforts.
Rescuers are conducting a search for survivors in the Potomac River following a tragic collision between an American Airlines plane carrying 60 passengers and four crew members and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter during a training mission.
Law enforcement and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the incident around 9:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday. Sadly, a law enforcement source informed CNN that confirmed fatalities were reported and that no survivors had been retrieved from the water by late Wednesday night. The source also stated that the plane was found in pieces in the river, alongside the helicopter, which was also submerged nearby.
Video footage from an observation camera at the Kennedy Center depicted two sets of lights, indicative of the separate aircraft merging in a fireball.
The FAA stated that the crash happened after a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet from Wichita, Kansas collided midair with a Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk helicopter while approaching the runway at Reagan National Airport around 9 p.m. local time.
The Black Hawk was engaged in a training flight at the time of the collision, as confirmed by Joint Task Force-National Capital Region media chief Heather Chairez.
Press secretary Karoline Leavitt communicated to Fox News' Sean Hannity that President Trump had been made aware of the incident. The President later issued a statement expressing condolences and recognition of the first responders' efforts.
The Association of Flight Attendants reported that two of its members were on board flight 5342 and expressed their commitment to supporting affected families while focusing on potential survivor rescues.
Both the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the accident, with the NTSB leading the inquiry. American Airlines acknowledged the incident through a statement outlining their concern for the passengers and crew.
New Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that the department was deploying all available U.S. Coast Guard resources for search and rescue efforts and conveyed her thoughts and prayers for the victims and responders.
An Associated Press source confirmed that the helicopter was piloted by the U.S. Army and was carrying three military members, with no VIPs on board.
Emergency response teams, including numerous firefighters, EMS rescuers, and police, were dispatched to the scene. Multiple helicopters from various police agencies and the military were also involved in the operation. Reports indicated that the water temperature was approximately 42 degrees Fahrenheit.
Audio from the air traffic control tower around the time of the incident captured a controller asking the helicopter if it had the passenger aircraft in sight, seconds before an apparent collision was reported. The tower acted quickly to divert other aircraft from Reagan.
Vice President JD Vance encouraged everyone to "say a prayer" for those affected and emphasized continuous monitoring of the situation. Virginia Rep Don Beyer described the events as "worrying" and urged the public to allow law enforcement to carry out their duties during the emergency.
