Tragic mid-air collision claims multiple lives; emergency operations continue in freezing conditions.
January 30, 2025: Washington, DC: At least 18 bodies have been recovered from the Potomac River after a mid-air collision between an American Airlines regional jet and a US military Blackhawk helicopter last night, just 5 kilometers from the White House. The incident, which involved 64 people aboard the plane and three soldiers in the helicopter, has prompted an extensive rescue and recovery operation.
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Key Developments:
- Fiery Crash Scene: Visuals showed the night sky illuminated by a massive fireball as the aircraft collided and plunged into the freezing waters of the Potomac River.
- Flight Details: The American Eagle Flight 5342 was en route from Kansas to Washington, DC, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members. The Blackhawk helicopter, on a training mission, had three soldiers aboard, with no senior officials reported.
- Timing of Collision: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the collision occurred around 9 PM local time as the jet was approaching Ronald Reagan National Airport for landing.
- Emergency Response: Fireboats and dozens of fire trucks joined the rescue operation, facing challenges posed by darkness and freezing temperatures. The FAA grounded all flights at the airport to prioritize emergency efforts.
- Statements from Authorities:
- American Airlines expressed deep concern for passengers and crew, stating, “We are assisting with emergency response efforts.”
- President Donald Trump extended condolences, saying, “May God bless their souls. Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders.”
- Rescue Efforts: Local police reported recovering 18 bodies from the river as the search for survivors continues.
- Airline CEO’s Response: Robert Isom, CEO of American Airlines, expressed sorrow in a video message and pledged full cooperation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation.
- Public Assistance Helpline: A toll-free number (800-679-8215) has been set up for relatives and friends seeking information about passengers. Additional contact details for international callers are available at news.aa.com.
Next Steps:
The FAA and NTSB have launched an investigation into the cause of the collision. Emergency responders continue to work under challenging conditions to retrieve victims and gather evidence from the crash site.
Also Read: Terrifying Video Captures Plane Skidding Off Runway and Crashing at South Korea Airport
This tragic incident underscores the importance of stringent airspace coordination, particularly in high-security zones near Washington, DC.
Tags:
- Washington DC Plane Crash
- Potomac River Collision
- American Eagle Flight 5342
- Blackhawk Helicopter Crash
- FAA Emergency Response
- Mid-Air Collision Investigation
- Ronald Reagan National Airport Incident