Tragic Mid-Air Collision Claims Lives in Washington DC

A passenger airliner carrying 64 people tragically crashed into the Potomac River following a mid-air collision with a US Army helicopter near Washington DC. Rescuers have retrieved 18 bodies so far, as ongoing investigations seek clarity on the incident.

A passenger plane operating as American Airlines 5342 crashed into the Potomac River in Washington DC on Wednesday after colliding in mid-air with a US Army helicopter. The incident has left the nation in shock, as recovery efforts continue in freezing temperatures. Reports indicate that 18 bodies have already been recovered from the river, with search and rescue teams braving harsh conditions to locate any remaining survivors.

The crash occurred around 21:00 local time (02:00 GMT) as the Bombardier CRJ700 approached Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, according to officials from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The passenger aircraft was transporting 60 passengers and four crew members and had departed from Wichita, Kansas. The helicopter involved in the incident was identified as a Sikorsky H-60, on a training mission, with three US soldiers aboard.

Eyewitness accounts describe a harrowing scene. One witness noted seeing the plane performing a steep bank maneuver, followed by the appearance of sparks underneath—descriptions likened to a fireworks display. Another indicated the helicopter flipped upside down in the water, further complicating the rescue operation.

Emergency response teams, numbering around 300, are battling strong winds and ice on the river, making recovery efforts challenging, according to DC Fire and Emergency Services Chief John Donnelly. American Figure Skating confirmed that several members of their community were in the ill-fated flight, returning from a training camp.

Authorities have initiated an investigation, with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) joining the FAA. Washington DC officials have refrained from confirming casualty figures during press briefings, focusing instead on the rescue operation. President Donald Trump expressed his condolences, emphasizing the need for thorough inquiries into the circumstances surrounding this tragic accident.