30-1-2025 (WASHINGTON) An American Airlines passenger aircraft and a US Army helicopter has triggered an extensive search and rescue operation in the frigid waters of the Potomac River near Reagan National Airport, authorities confirmed Wednesday evening.
The devastating incident involved American Airlines Flight 5342, carrying 64 people, and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter with three military personnel aboard, which collided in the vicinity of the nation’s capital. The commercial flight had originated from Wichita, Kansas, with 60 passengers and four crew members.
Emergency services have mobilised an unprecedented response, with approximately 300 first responders now combing the ice-cold waters of the Potomac. The DC Fire Chief reports that the search operation faces challenging conditions as teams work against time to locate possible survivors.
Law enforcement sources paint a grim picture of the aftermath, confirming multiple fatalities, though exact numbers remain unclear. The commercial aircraft reportedly broke apart upon impact, with debris scattered across the river. The military helicopter was found submerged nearby, according to official sources speaking on condition of anonymity.
The incident has prompted the immediate closure of Reagan National Airport, with officials announcing operations will remain suspended until at least 11:00 tomorrow morning, causing significant disruption to air traffic in the region.
The Black Hawk helicopter was conducting a routine training exercise when the collision occurred, military officials confirmed. The circumstances leading to the catastrophic encounter between the two aircraft remain under investigation.
President Donald Trump weighed in on the tragedy through his Truth Social platform, characterising the incident as “a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented.”
