Watch | Moment When US Passenger Jet Crashed into US Army’s Black Hawk Chopper in the Sky, 18 Dead
First Published: 30th January, 2025 15:06 IST
Kansas Senator Roger Marshall called the crash a "nightmare" and offered prayers for the victims and their families.
At least 18 people have died after a regional passenger jet carrying 64 people crashed into the Potomac River near Reagan National Airport following a mid-air collision with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter on Wednesday night, reports CBC.
Rescue operations are underway, but no survivors have been found so far, according to The Washington Post. The collision occurred around 9 PM local time (0200 GMT Thursday), forcing authorities to halt all flights at Reagan National Airport.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the aircraft involved was a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700, operating as American Eagle Flight 5342 for American Airlines. The flight had departed from Wichita, Kansas, and was on final approach to Washington, D.C., when it struck the military helicopter mid-air. The Black Hawk was carrying three US Army soldiers, whose condition remains unknown.
A viral video of the crash captured the horrifying moment when the passenger jet collided with the helicopter before plunging into the river. Emergency crews rushed to the scene, with fire trucks and rescue boats working along the riverbank.
News agency AFP, citing the US Army, said that three soldiers were aboard the military helicopter.
American Airlines acknowledged the incident in a statement, “We’re aware of reports that American Eagle Flight 5342, operated by PSA, with service from Wichita, Kansas (ICT) to Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA), has been involved in an incident. We will provide updates as they become available.”
“All takeoffs and landings have been halted at DCA. Emergency personnel are responding to an aircraft incident on the airfield. The terminal remains open. Will update,” the Reagan Airport said in a statement.
Kansas Senator Roger Marshall called the crash a “nightmare” and offered prayers for the victims and their families.
President Donald Trump has been briefed on the tragedy as authorities continue search and recovery efforts in what is shaping up to be one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent US history.
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