Washington DC: A plane collided mid-air with a US Army helicopter while landing at Reagan National Airport near Washington DC on Wednesday night (local time). After the collision, both aircraft reportedly then crashed into the Potomac River. Authorities have managed to pull out 19 bodies from the river. The video of the incident also surface online. Casualties are expected to rise. The incident took place just five km from the White House.
There were 64 passengers and crew members onboard the plane, while three on the army chopper. All the 67 people are feared dead. As per the Federal Aviation (FAA) Administration, American Airlines Flight 5342 collided with a Black Hawk helicopter. In the video, huge flames could seen when the plane crashed into the helicopter.
Here Is The Video Of The Incident:
A tragic plane crash has occurred at Reagan National Airport near Washington DC. First reports are that the plane was landing when it crashed into a helicopter.
— Mister Sugar (@ScottWi92107364) January 30, 2025
Fatalities as high as 60 have been reported, and a MASSIVE search & rescue operation is happening in the Potomac… pic.twitter.com/uWrLf3JQPx
A rescue operation has bene launched after the crash. Washington’s Metropolitan Police Department also reached the spot. Meanwhile, all flights are halted at the Reagan National Airport after the incident.
Emergency Services On The Spot:
❗️All flights halted at Reagan International Airport after a suspected collision between a helicopter and a small plane - initial reports indicate at least three fatalities, however, this is a developing story https://t.co/6wGejkJZMB pic.twitter.com/iZn7zipsQ8
— RT (@RT_com) January 30, 2025
The White House confirmed that the plane was a commercial airliner that collided with a military helicopter while heading towards Ronald Reagan National Airport.
Donald Trump's Statement:
US President Donald Trump lauded the first responders of the incident. "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," Trump said in a statement.
— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) January 30, 2025
US Vice President's Statement:
US Vice President JD Vance in His X post said, "Please say a prayer for everyone involved in the mid-air collision near Reagan airport this evening. We're monitoring the situation, but for now let's hope for the best."
Please say a prayer for everyone involved in the mid-air collision near Reagan airport this evening. We're monitoring the situation, but for now let's hope for the best.
— JD Vance (@JDVance) January 30, 2025
Tweet By Texas Senator Ted Cruz:
"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," Texas Senator Ted Cruz wrote in his X post.
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
There are no reports of any casualties yet. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will investigate the airspace incident.
More details are still awaited.