
A mid-air collision between an American Airlines jet and an Army helicopter near Reagan National Airport has left the nation in shock, with multiple fatalities reported and a complex rescue operation underway.
At a Glance
- American Airlines flight with 64 people on board collided with a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter
- Both aircraft crashed into the Potomac River, prompting a large-scale search and rescue operation
- At least 30 bodies recovered, with no survivors found as of early Thursday morning
- Incident marks the first major U.S. commercial air crash in almost 16 years
- President Trump monitoring situation, praising first responders
Tragic Collision Near Nation’s Capital
A devastating mid-air collision occurred Wednesday evening, January 29, near Reagan National Airport in Washington D.C., involving an American Airlines commercial jet and a U.S. Army helicopter. The Bombardier CRJ-701 passenger plane, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, collided with a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter on a training flight. The incident, which happened around 9 p.m. EST, has resulted in multiple fatalities and prompted a massive search and rescue operation in the Potomac River.
The collision took place in tightly controlled airspace near the White House and the Capitol, raising questions about air traffic control procedures and safety protocols. The Federal Aviation Administration reported that air traffic controllers had cleared the plane to land on a shorter runway before the collision occurred. This tragic event has become a significant test for new agency leaders in the Trump administration.
Search and Rescue Efforts
A “highly complex” search and rescue operation got underway, with over 300 responders working in challenging conditions. Both aircraft crashed into the Potomac River, with the plane breaking into two pieces and submerged in about 7 feet of water, while the helicopter is upside down in the river. The operation was complicated by rough conditions, including wind, ice, and low visibility.
“It’s a highly complex operation, the conditions out there are extremely rough for the responders. It’s cold. They’re dealing with relatively windy conditions,” District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Chief John Donnelly said.
As of early the following morning, at least 30 bodies had been recovered, but no survivors confirmed.
This tragic incident has sent shockwaves across the nation, particularly affecting the people of Kansas, as the flight originated from Wichita. The passenger list included a group of figure skaters returning from a camp, adding to the heartbreak of this devastating event. Kansas Senator Roger Marshall expressed profound sorrow over the loss of life, highlighting the impact on his constituents.
“It’s really hard when you lose probably over 60 Kansans simultaneously. When one person dies, it’s a tragedy, but when many, many, many people die, it’s an unbearable sorrow,” Senator Marshall said.
President Trump is closely monitoring the situation and has praised the efforts of first responders. In a statement, he expressed his condolences and support for those affected by the tragedy.