A devastating mid-air collision between a US Army Blackhawk helicopter and an American Airlines regional flight has sparked a massive rescue operation near Washington’s Reagan National Airport.
The incident occurred on Wednesday at around 9pm local time, with multiple people feared dead.
What We Know So Far
- The American Airlines flight, numbered 5342, was approaching the runway to land at Reagan National Airport when the collision occurred.
- The aircraft, carrying over 60 people, went down in the Potomac River near the airport.
- A webcam from the Kennedy Center in Washington DC appeared to capture a mid-air explosion after the helicopter and plane collided.
- US President Donald Trump has released a statement, saying he is “monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise.”
Dramatic Footage Emerges
A webcam from the Kennedy Center captured the moment of the collision, showing a massive explosion in the sky.
The footage has been widely shared on social media, with many expressing shock and horror at the incident.
Rescue Efforts Underway
Rescue teams are working tirelessly to search for survivors in the Potomac River, despite challenging conditions.
The water temperature is close to freezing, making hypothermia a major concern for any potential survivors.
Atmospheric scientist Matthew Cappucci warned that the cold water conducts body heat away up to 26 times faster than air of the same temperature.
Officials Respond to the Incident
US President Donald Trump has questioned the actions of the US Army Black Hawk helicopter, saying it was “going straight at the airplane for an extended period of time” and asking why it didn’t change course.
American Airlines CEO Robert Isom has released a video message, expressing “deep sorrow” and confirming that there were 60 passengers and four crew on board the flight.
Eyewitness Accounts
Ari Schulman, a Washington DC local, witnessed the moments leading up to the collision and described seeing the passenger plane “banking all the way to the right” with a “stream of sparks underneath it.”
Another eyewitness, Hamaad Raza, said his wife was on the plane and he is “praying that someone is pulling her out of the river right now as we speak.”
Latest Updates
- The US Federal Aviation Administration has grounded flights at Reagan National Airport, with multiple flights cancelled and delayed.
- The search and rescue operation is ongoing, with officials working to recover the wreckage and identify the victims.
- The cause of the collision is still unknown, but an investigation is underway.
We will continue to provide updates on this developing story as more information becomes available.