In a tragic turn of events, a mid-air collision occurred over the Potomac River near Washington, US, involving American Airlines Flight 5342 and a Black Hawk helicopter.
The incident, which took place near Reagan National Airport, has drawn the attention of the highest office in the country, with President Donald Trump stating that he is closely monitoring the situation.
The President's office released a statement, "I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport. May God Bless their souls. Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise."
The passenger plane, American Airlines Flight 5342, was carrying 60 passengers and crew, according to some media reports. The flight had originated from Wichita, Kansas.
Emergency Response and FAA Investigation
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that the aircraft collided around 9 p.m. on Wednesday as the passenger jet was approaching Runway 33 at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
The FAA provided further details in a statement, A PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet collided in midair with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while on approach to Runway 33 at Reagan Washington National Airport around 9 p.m. local time. PSA was operating as Flight 5342 for American Airlines. It departed from Wichita, Kansas. The FAA and NTSB will investigate. The NTSB will lead the investigation.
Emergency response teams, including the Metropolitan Police Department and the District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department, swiftly initiated search and rescue operations in the Potomac River. Rescue boats were deployed to the crash site to assist potential survivors.
As a precaution, all flights at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport were temporarily suspended to facilitate the emergency response. The FAA has launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident to determine the cause of the collision.
Reagan Airport posted on social media, All takeoffs and landings have been halted at DCA. Emergency personnel are responding to an aircraft incident on the airfield. The terminal remains open. Will update.
Meanwhile, Senator Ted Cruz of Texas confirmed that there were fatalities. "I am closely monitoring the situation at DCA, and I will receive a briefing from the FAA tomorrow. While we don't yet know how many on board were lost, we know there are fatalities. Please join Heidi and me in praying for all involved as the search and rescue is underway," he said.
Kansas Senator Jerry Moran expressed concern upon learning that the passenger plane was arriving from Kansas. "Learning that a plane inbound from Kansas was involved in a crash at DCA. I am in contact with authorities. Please join me in praying for all involved," he said.
Authorities are urging the public to avoid the area to allow emergency personnel to perform their duties effectively. This incident has prompted a significant response from multiple agencies as they work collaboratively to manage the situation and provide assistance.
In a similar incident, a 1982 Air Florida Flight 90 crashed into the Potomac River, which resulted in 78 fatalities and led to significant changes in emergency response procedures in the aviation industry.
