A U.S. passenger jet carrying 64 people crashed into the Potomac River near Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night after a midair collision with a military helicopter conducting a training exercise. Authorities have yet to confirm casualties as search and rescue operations continue in near-freezing conditions.
Incident Details
The Bombardier regional jet, operated by PSA Airlines, a subsidiary of American Airlines, was en route from Wichita, Kansas, to Reagan National Airport when the collision occurred around 9:00 p.m. local time (0200 GMT). The aircraft had 60 passengers and four crew members aboard.
The U.S. Army confirmed that the involved helicopter was a Black Hawk carrying three soldiers. Their status remains unknown.
Rescue Efforts
Emergency crews, including divers, are conducting extensive search operations in the snow-lined Potomac River. Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser assured that efforts would persist to locate survivors and recover victims. Fire Chief John Donnelly described conditions as "extremely rough" and indicated that the scope of the operation would be reassessed by morning.
Eyewitness Accounts
Ari Schulman, a witness, reported seeing a "stream of sparks" before the aircraft banked sharply, describing it as "lit up a very bright yellow." He likened the scene to a "Roman candle."
Response from Officials
President Donald Trump stated he had been fully briefed and extended condolences to potential victims. However, he later took to social media, criticizing air traffic control, questioning why the helicopter did not maneuver to avoid the plane, and suggesting the collision could have been prevented.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) temporarily grounded all flights at Reagan National Airport, with operations expected to resume by 11:00 a.m. (1600 GMT) Thursday.
American Airlines' CEO expressed "deep sorrow," while Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas called the crash "nothing short of a nightmare."
Investigation and Airspace Concerns
Authorities are investigating how a passenger plane, equipped with modern collision-avoidance technology, could collide with a military helicopter in the heavily regulated airspace over Washington, D.C. The region frequently sees a mix of commercial and military aircraft, along with helicopters transporting officials and dignitaries.
The crash evokes memories of past aviation disasters, including the 1982 Air Florida Flight 90 crash, which also plunged into the Potomac, and the 2009 Continental Flight 3407 crash, the last major fatal U.S. air accident.
The investigation is ongoing.
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