Washington, D.C. – A tragic midair collision between an American Airlines passenger jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter sent both aircraft plunging into the icy Potomac River late Wednesday night, triggering a massive rescue effort near Reagan National Airport.
The collision, which occurred just minutes before the plane was scheduled to land, resulted in a fiery explosion, shocking onlookers and prompting an urgent response from over 300 first responders. Authorities have confirmed multiple fatalities but have not disclosed specific numbers. So far, no survivors have been found.
American Airlines Flight 5342, a Bombardier CRJ700 operated by PSA Airlines, was en route from Wichita, Kansas, with 60 passengers and four crew members aboard. The Army helicopter, carrying three soldiers, was conducting a training flight when it crossed paths with the jet. Air traffic control recordings suggest the helicopter was directed to pass behind the plane just seconds before the crash.
Eyewitness Ari Schulman described the horrifying moment: “The plane was about 120 feet above the water when suddenly it banked right past 90 degrees. It lit up bright yellow with a stream of sparks before disappearing into the darkness.”
Emergency divers are battling near-freezing waters in search of possible survivors. The Potomac, murky and strewn with ice, poses extreme risks, with hypothermia setting in within minutes. John Donnelly, D.C. Fire and EMS Chief, warned that the operation could take days due to the treacherous conditions.
Families of those on board are gathering at the airport, desperately seeking updates. Hamaad Raza, whose wife was on Flight 5342, said she had texted him minutes before the expected landing, but then the messages stopped. “I’m just praying someone is pulling her out of the river right now,” he said.
Several members of the U.S. figure skating community were confirmed to be on board, including two Russian skaters, adding to the widespread impact of the tragedy. Kansas Senator Jerry Moran called the crash “a personal tragedy” for his state, given the Wichita connection.
President Donald Trump stated he was fully briefed and monitoring the situation, calling it a “terrible accident.” Vice President JD Vance urged prayers for those involved.
With all takeoffs and landings at Reagan National halted until Thursday morning, investigators are now working to determine the cause of one of the deadliest air disasters in decades. The nation waits anxiously for answers and miracles.
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