- By Abhishek Sheoran
- Thu, 30 Jan 2025 09:49 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
At least 18 bodies have been recovered so far, following a collision between a passenger plane and US Army chopper near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, CBS News reported citing a police official. No survivors have been found yet and the death toll is likely to increase as rescue efforts intensify.
The American Airlines regional passenger jet, carrying over 60 passengers and 4 crew members collided mid-air with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter and crashed in the Potomac River, CNN reported.
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“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 posted on X.
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.
— Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) January 30, 2025
Meanwhile, a US official confirmed to Reuters that three Army soldiers were onboard the Black Hawk helicopter that collided with the passenger jet, adding that their status was unknown.
A US Army spokesperson confirmed that one of its helicopters was part of the crash incident. American Airlines Flight 5342, operated by PSA, had taken off from Wichita, Kansas, as per the FAA. American Airlines’ website states that the aircraft can accommodate up to 65 passengers.
BREAKING: Footage of air collision over Washington DC pic.twitter.com/GIqRAaPaC3
— The Spectator Index (@spectatorindex) January 30, 2025
The White House also confirmed it was a commercial airliner that collided with a military helicopter while heading towards Ronald Reagan National Airport.
Authorities mentioned that a joint search and rescue operation by several agencies, including the US Park Police, DC Metropolitan Police Department and the US military, was launched in the Potomac River, which runs alongside the airport. “MPD is responding to an apparent air crash in the Potomac River. Multiple agencies are responding. Details to come,” DC Police Department posted on X.
MPD is responding to an apparent air crash in the Potomac River. Multiple agencies are responding. Details to come.
— DC Police Department (@DCPoliceDept) January 30, 2025
Operations at the airport were halted as emergency personnel responded to the incident.