Collision Between American Airlines Plane and Army Helicopter: Both Crash into River, 18 Bodies Recovered; 64 People Were on Board
A passenger plane and a helicopter collided in Washington, D.C., resulting in the plane crashing into the Potomac River. The aircraft had 64 people on board, including four crew members. According to the Washington Fire Department, the incident occurred on Wednesday night near Ronald Reagan Airport. As per American media reports, 18 bodies have been recovered so far.
The collision involved an American Airlines CRJ700 Bombardier jet and a U.S. Army Sikorsky (H-60) helicopter. Military officials confirmed that three people were aboard the helicopter.
The airline company confirmed the crash after 9 PM. The jet was en route from Kansas to Washington, D.C. Authorities stated that multiple emergency calls were received around 8:50 PM local time, reporting the accident near Reagan National Airport (DCA).
Currently, all flights and landings at the airport have been suspended. The wreckage of both aircraft is in the Potomac River.
Four Rescued Alive from Potomac River
According to The Washington Post, multiple bodies have been recovered from the water. Meanwhile, NBC reported that four people have been rescued alive from the Potomac River.
White House spokesperson Caroline Leavitt stated that President Trump has been informed about the accident and is closely monitoring the situation. He has urged people to remain calm and has directed officials to carry out rescue operations.
Vice President J.D. Vance expressed sorrow over the incident and urged citizens to pray for those affected by the crash.
Divers Deployed for Rescue Operations in Potomac River
According to CNN, divers have been deployed in the Potomac River to assist in rescue efforts. The National Weather Service has warned that passengers who survived the crash may face serious risks, as temperatures in Washington, D.C., are expected to drop below freezing. Hypothermia could set in within 20-30 minutes for those exposed to the cold water.
Kansas Senator Roger Marshall posted on X, stating, “I just received reports of a plane crash while heading to Washington, D.C. We are in constant contact with officials. Our prayers are with all passengers and their families. At this moment, there is no confirmed information about casualties.”
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the American Airlines plane was approaching Runway 33 at Reagan National Airport (DCA) when it collided with a Black Hawk H-60 helicopter. The crashed aircraft, a CRJ700 Bombardier, is designed for regional flights and can accommodate 68 to 73 passengers.
