WASHINGTON: A mid-air collision between an American Airlines passenger jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan National Airport has led to a massive search and rescue operation in the Potomac River.
The PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, collided with the Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk while approaching the runway around 9 p.m. local time, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and law enforcement agencies.
A surveillance camera near the Kennedy Center captured a fireball as the two aircraft merged mid-air. Reports suggest multiple fatalities, though officials have not confirmed exact numbers.
Senator Ted Cruz stated on social media: “We know there are fatalities,” while local media reported that several bodies had been recovered from the freezing waters.
The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the crash. An Army official confirmed three soldiers were aboard the helicopter at the time.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Fox News that President Donald Trump has “been made aware” of the crash and confirmed that a military helicopter had collided with a regional jet.
“The thoughts and the prayers of the entire Trump administration are with all those that are involved,” she said.
She asked those in the D.C. area to wait for guidance from law enforcement and “allow them to do their jobs as they attempt to save lives right now.”
Authorities continue to search for survivors, with emergency teams from multiple agencies responding at the scene.
