Massive Search and Rescue Efforts Underway in the Potomac River
A regional jet carrying 64 people and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter collided midair Wednesday night near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, causing a catastrophic crash into the Potomac River and prompting immediate rescue operations. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the collision between a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 and a Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as “like a giant Roman candle”, with flames erupting midair before both aircraft descended rapidly into the water.
Details of the Collision
📍 Location: Near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
⏰ Time of Incident: Around 9 PM local time
✈️ Aircraft Involved:
- PSA Airlines Flight 5342 (American Eagle), a Bombardier CRJ700, departing from Wichita, Kansas with 60 passengers and 4 crew members.
- U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, carrying three military personnel on a training mission from Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
🚨 Latest Updates:
- FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are leading the investigation.
- Reagan National Airport was shut down immediately after the crash, halting all takeoffs and landings until further notice.
- Rescue divers, emergency response boats, and helicopters are scouring the Potomac River for survivors.
President Trump Briefed, Offers Prayers for Victims
Shortly after the crash, President Donald Trump issued a statement expressing his condolences:
“May God bless their souls. Thank you to the incredible first responders working tirelessly. I am monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates as they come.”
🚑 Rescue Operations Intensify
Washington, D.C. Fire & Emergency Medical Services Department confirmed that their fireboats were immediately dispatched to the scene. No survivors have been confirmed as of now, but reports suggest at least 18 bodies have been recovered.
Eyewitnesses Describe Terrifying Moments
🚗 Ari Schulman, who was driving past the airport at the time, described the impact:
“I saw a plane lined up to land, and then moments later, it looked like a giant fireball. Sparks were flying down the fuselage. It was like watching a horror movie unfold in real life.”
🎥 Captured on Camera: A live EarthCam feed at the Kennedy Center reportedly captured the moment of impact, showing a massive fireball illuminating the night sky over the Potomac River.
Investigation Underway: Was This Avoidable?
🕵️ The FAA and NTSB are investigating the air traffic control logs, pilot communications, and flight paths to determine the cause of the collision.
👨✈️ Military officials confirmed the Black Hawk was on a routine training flight, raising questions about possible miscommunication between civilian and military air traffic control.
🌍 Aviation Safety Concerns: Experts are now scrutinizing the congestion at Reagan National Airport, often ranked among the most challenging airports for pilots due to its high-traffic airspace and proximity to restricted areas.
Nationwide Reaction
🇺🇸 Senators and public figures react:
- Senator Ted Cruz: “We know there are fatalities. My thoughts and prayers go out to the families affected by this tragedy.”
- Senator Roger Marshall (Kansas): “Nothing short of a nightmare. May God wrap his arms around the victims and their loved ones.”
- Vice President JD Vance: “Please pray for those involved in the midair collision near Reagan Airport.”
📢 Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed she has been briefed and is “actively monitoring the response efforts.”
What Happens Next?
🔍 NTSB Launches Investigation Team
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has dispatched a full investigative team to determine what led to this devastating event.
✈️ FAA Statement:
“The FAA and NTSB will conduct a thorough investigation to understand how this occurred and ensure aviation safety improvements moving forward.”
🚦 Reagan National Airport is expected to remain closed until at least 5 AM as recovery operations continue.
