The night took a tragic turn in Washington DC when a PSA Airlines passenger jet, operating as American Airlines 5342, collided mid-air with a US Army helicopter. The aircraft, a Bombardier CRJ700, was carrying 64 individuals, including 60 passengers and four crew members. The crash occurred around 21:00 local time as the plane was approaching Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The Army helicopter involved, a Sikorsky H-60 from Fort Belvoir, Virginia, was reportedly engaged in a training flight and had three US soldiers aboard.
Authorities are currently grappling with the aftermath as they have confirmed that eighteen bodies have been recovered from the Potomac River. First responders, numbering approximately 300, are conducting rescue operations despite treacherous conditions, including icy waters and strong winds. Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser emphasized the challenging nature of the efforts, urging patience as they continue through the night.
Eyewitness accounts have painted a harrowing picture of the incident. One witness, Ari Schulman, described seeing the plane emit "streams of sparks," leading him to believe something was severely wrong. Another witness, Jimmy Mazeo, reported observing what appeared to be a "white flare" in the sky just before the crash occurred. Both individuals noted irregular flight patterns of planes approaching the airport prior to the incident.
As rescue operations unfold, federal aviation authorities, including the FAA and National Transportation Safety Board, have promised a thorough investigation. President Donald Trump has expressed his condolences, commending first responders while raising concerns over the potentially preventable nature of the crash. Meanwhile, American Airlines CEO Robert Isom publicly mourned the loss and reiterated the sorrow felt across the aviation community.
This tragic event has raised questions regarding flight safety in the area, and officials have stated potential reviews of flight paths would be conducted as investigations continue. The full impact and implications of this disaster are yet to be determined as further updates become available.
Authorities are currently grappling with the aftermath as they have confirmed that eighteen bodies have been recovered from the Potomac River. First responders, numbering approximately 300, are conducting rescue operations despite treacherous conditions, including icy waters and strong winds. Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser emphasized the challenging nature of the efforts, urging patience as they continue through the night.
Eyewitness accounts have painted a harrowing picture of the incident. One witness, Ari Schulman, described seeing the plane emit "streams of sparks," leading him to believe something was severely wrong. Another witness, Jimmy Mazeo, reported observing what appeared to be a "white flare" in the sky just before the crash occurred. Both individuals noted irregular flight patterns of planes approaching the airport prior to the incident.
As rescue operations unfold, federal aviation authorities, including the FAA and National Transportation Safety Board, have promised a thorough investigation. President Donald Trump has expressed his condolences, commending first responders while raising concerns over the potentially preventable nature of the crash. Meanwhile, American Airlines CEO Robert Isom publicly mourned the loss and reiterated the sorrow felt across the aviation community.
This tragic event has raised questions regarding flight safety in the area, and officials have stated potential reviews of flight paths would be conducted as investigations continue. The full impact and implications of this disaster are yet to be determined as further updates become available.
