Over 18 bodies have been recovered from the Potomac River following the catastrophic mid-air collision between American Airlines Flight 5342 and a Black Hawk helicopter on Wednesday evening. No survivors have been rescued so far.&nbsp;
The collision happened near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, prompting a massive emergency response and suspension of airport operations.&nbsp;
First responders are on site and search and rescue operation is underway.&nbsp;
The incident took place around 9 pm (local time) as the PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet, operating as American Airlines Flight 5342, was approaching Runway 33. The aircraft, carrying approximately 60 passengers and crew members from Wichita, Kansas, collided with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter over the Potomac River.
President Donald Trump acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating he had been "fully briefed on the terrible accident." The President expressed his gratitude to first responders while monitoring the developing situation.
Senator Ted Cruz confirmed fatalities, though the exact number of casualties remains unknown. "While we don't yet know how many on board were lost, we know there are fatalities," Cruz stated on social media platform X, requesting prayers for those affected.
Emergency response teams, including the Metropolitan Police Department and the District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department, immediately launched search and rescue operations in the Potomac River. Multiple rescue boats were deployed to the crash site to search for potential survivors.
Reagan National Airport authorities suspended all flight operations to facilitate emergency response efforts, though the terminal remains open. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the incident, with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) leading the probe.
Kansas Senator Jerry Moran expressed particular concern about the incident, noting the aircraft's origin from his state: "Learning that a plane inbound from Kansas was involved in a crash at DCA. I am in contact with authorities."
The FAA confirmed that the aircraft involved was a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet operating under American Airlines Flight 5342, which had departed from Wichita, Kansas. The circumstances leading to the collision with the military helicopter remain under investigation.
Emergency personnel continue their rescue operations as authorities urge the public to avoid the area. Multiple agencies are working collaboratively to manage the situation and provide assistance. Further details about the incident are expected as the investigation progresses.

Mid-air collision between aircraft and helicopter (Image Source: Social Media)

American Airlines flight collided with a military helicopter near Reagan Airport on Wednesday evening

Washington DC Crash: 18 Bodies Pulled Out of the Potomac

American Airlines flight collided with a military helicopter near Reagan Airport on Wednesday evening

January 30, 2025 | 10:25 IST