A tragic mid-air collision between an American Airlines jet and a U.S. Army helicopter has resulted in a devastating crash into the Potomac River near Washington, D.C. The airliner, carrying 64 people, was on its final approach to Ronald Reagan National Airport from Wichita, Kansas, when it collided with a military Black Hawk helicopter at approximately 9:00 PM local time (02:00 GMT) on Wednesday.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the total number of casualties, but CBS reports indicate that 18 bodies have been recovered so far, with no survivors. The Black Hawk, belonging to a battalion based at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, had three soldiers on board at the time of the crash. Officials have not disclosed the helicopter’s origin or mission before the collision.
Eyewitnesses described a harrowing scene, with flashes of light and sparks trailing from the jet before it erupted into flames. Ari Schulman, who saw the incident unfold, told NBC Washington that what initially seemed routine quickly turned catastrophic. “There was a stream of sparks beneath the aircraft, like a giant Roman candle. I looked back and saw a fireball,” he recounted.
Emergency responders from multiple federal and local agencies are engaged in a challenging rescue operation amid freezing temperatures, strong winds, and low visibility. Washington D.C.’s emergency chief, John Donnelly, emphasized the harsh conditions rescuers are facing. “There are icy waters, strong currents, and limited visibility, making it extremely difficult for our teams to search every square inch of the crash site,” he said.
In response to the disaster, President Donald Trump stated he had been fully briefed and expressed his gratitude to first responders. “Thank you for the incredible work being done on the ground. I am closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as they come in,” he said in a statement.
As emergency teams continue their efforts, Ronald Reagan National Airport has temporarily suspended all takeoffs and landings. Flights are being redirected to Dulles International Airport, located 28 miles (45 km) away, while the Washington Metro system has extended service hours to accommodate affected travelers.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and U.S. Congress have launched investigations into the collision, seeking answers about how the two aircraft came into such deadly proximity. American Airlines CEO Robert Isom announced that the company has dispatched a crisis team to Washington, and he himself will be traveling there to assess the situation firsthand.
As the investigation unfolds, the nation awaits further details on this tragic event, while rescue crews continue their search in the frigid waters of the Potomac.
