In a heartbreaking incident, a PSA Airlines jet, carrying 64 individuals, crashed into the Potomac River after colliding with a US Army helicopter. As rescue operations continue, authorities report at least 18 bodies recovered. Investigations into the tragic event are underway.
Tragic Collision in Washington DC: Airplane and Helicopter Crash Claims Lives
Tragic Collision in Washington DC: Airplane and Helicopter Crash Claims Lives
A passenger plane and a US Army helicopter collided mid-air over Washington DC, leading to a devastating crash into the Potomac River, with numerous casualties reported.
A passenger aircraft and a U.S. Army helicopter collided in mid-air over Washington DC, resulting in the plane crashing into the Potomac River. The PSA Airlines flight, which operated under American Airlines as flight 5342, was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members when it struck the helicopter, leading to a catastrophic situation.
Search and rescue efforts are actively ongoing, with teams braving freezing temperatures to scour the river, and so far, 18 bodies have been retrieved from the wreckage. The Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport has grounded all its flights following the incident, as authorities continue their investigations into the cause of the collision.
The crash occurred shortly after 9 PM local time while the Bombardier CRJ700 was descending towards the airport after departing from Wichita, Kansas. The downed helicopter, identified as a Sikorsky H-60, belonged to the U.S. Army and was reportedly on a training exercise at the time, carrying three soldiers from Fort Belvoir in Virginia.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing a series of sparks emitted from the aircraft as it banked sharply before the impact. Accounts from local residents watching near the airport described the scene as unsettling, with one individual likening the sight of sparks to a “giant roman candle.”
In response to the crash, President Trump expressed his condolences and stated he had been continuously updated on developments. Other officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, emphasized the need to analyze the situation thoroughly to prevent future occurrences. Meanwhile, American Airlines has expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, and US Figure Skating confirmed that several members from the skating community were on board the flight returning from a development camp.
Emergency crews, numbering over 300, are faced with significant challenges due to hazardous conditions, including wind and ice on the river, delaying rescue efforts throughout the night. Despite these obstacles, authorities remain determined to locate any potential survivors in the water. The investigation into this devastating collision will involve both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
