A mid-air collision over the Potomac River near Washington's Reagan National Airport has resulted in at least 18 deaths, with rescue teams still searching for survivors, local media reported on Tuesday.
American Airlines (NASDAQ: AAL) Flight 5342 and a Black Hawk military helicopter were involved in the accident.
A regional passenger jet was approaching the airport for landing while carrying 60 passengers and four crew members when it collided with a military helicopter that had three soldiers aboard.
So far, no survivors have been reported, according to CNN.
According to the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the collision occurred around 9 p.m. local time on Wednesday.
As a result, all takeoffs and landings at the airport were temporarily halted while emergency teams worked at the crash site.
The Pentagon and the Army are investigating the crash, said Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. He stated that the investigation was "launched immediately."
"Absolutely tragic. Search and rescue efforts are still ongoing. Prayers for all impacted souls and their families," Hegseth added.
President Donald Trump issued a statement concerning the tragic accident. "I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident that just took place at Reagan National Airport. May God bless their souls. Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise," the statement read.
However, Texas Senator Ted Cruz acknowledged that the incident had led to the death of several people. "I am following the situation at DCA and will be briefed by the FAA tomorrow. As we don't know how many were lost on board yet, we know there are fatalities. Heidi and I urge everyone to please pray for everyone involved as rescue efforts continue," he posted on X.
The FAA confirmed that a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet, operating as Flight 5342 for American Airlines, was on approach to Runway 33 when it collided midair with a Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk helicopter. The National Transportation Safety Board will lead the investigation into the cause of the accident.
Within minutes, emergency response teams were in place, including the Metropolitan Police Department and the District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department. Boats are also scanning the Potomac River for potential survivors.
In response to the crash, Reagan National Airport posted an update on X: "All takeoffs and landings have been halted at DCA. Emergency personnel are responding to an aircraft incident on the airfield. The terminal remains open. We will update."
Kansas Senator Jerry Moran also responded to the incident. He indicated that the passenger plane had originated from Wichita, Kansas. "Learning that a plane inbound from Kansas was involved in a crash at DCA. I am in contact with authorities. Please join me in praying for all involved," he posted on X.
Authorities have advised the public to stay away from the area in order to create a clear corridor for the emergency teams. Multiple agencies are coordinating efforts to address the situation and bring relief. Rescue efforts are still ongoing, and further updates should be expected in the coming hours.
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