A PSA Airlines jet crashed into the Potomac River after colliding with a military helicopter, leading to the recovery of 18 bodies. Authorities remain focused on search and rescue efforts amid severe conditions, as investigations into the incident commence.
Tragic Mid-Air Collision: Passenger Plane and Military Helicopter Crash in Washington DC
Tragic Mid-Air Collision: Passenger Plane and Military Helicopter Crash in Washington DC
A passenger plane crashed into the Potomac River following a mid-air collision with a US Army helicopter, resulting in significant loss of life and ongoing rescue operations.
A passenger plane operating under the American Airlines banner crashed into the Potomac River on Wednesday evening, following a mid-air collision with a US Army helicopter as it approached Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The plane, identified as a Bombardier CRJ700, was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members when it collided with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter, which was on a training flight with three soldiers on board.
The incident occurred around 21:00 local time (02:00 GMT) and has led to the tragic recovery of 18 bodies from the frigid waters, according to police sources. Emergency response teams are actively searching the area, facing challenges from extreme cold and ice-covered sections of the river.
Residents and eyewitnesses reported seeing the passenger aircraft perform unusual maneuvers just before the crash, with one witness describing sparks emanating from the plane, which seemed to be in distress. Footage capturing the moments leading up to the collision has surfaced, purportedly showing an air traffic controller alerting the helicopter of the incoming plane, but receiving no communication in response.
As investigators from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) look into the circumstances of the incident, the community is mourning the loss of lives, including several individuals from the US Figure Skating community who were returning from a training camp.
Local officials have expressed reluctance to confirm casualty numbers until search and rescue efforts are concluded, emphasizing the ongoing nature of their mission. Prominent figures, including President Donald Trump and Vice-President JD Vance, have commented on the tragedy, with calls for prayers and reflections on the severe implications of the incident.
American Airlines has voiced deep condolences over the collision, as efforts to gather more information and support those affected continue. With questions about air traffic safety lingering following the incident, officials are reviewing operational protocols around Ronald Reagan airport to prevent similar mishaps in the future.
