A tragic midair collision occurred near Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday night when a passenger plane collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, sending both aircraft plunging into the Potomac River. The incident has led to a massive search and rescue operation involving divers and emergency teams.
American Airlines confirmed that Flight XXX, carrying 64 individuals—including 60 passengers and four crew members—was involved in the collision. The U.S. Army stated that three soldiers were aboard the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, which was conducting nighttime training exercises out of Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
\\"We can confirm that the aircraft involved in tonight's incident was an Army UH-60 helicopter,\\" the U.S. Army said in a statement. \\"We are working with local officials and will provide additional information once it becomes available.\\"
At least 18 bodies have been recovered from the freezing waters of the Potomac River, according to CBS News citing a police official. Rescue teams are continuing their efforts in challenging conditions, with the riverbanks lined with snow.
U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged the tragedy in a statement, saying he has been \\"fully briefed on the terrible accident\\" and is \\"monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise.\\"
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth expressed his concern on social media platform X, stating that the Pentagon is \\"actively monitoring\\" the situation and is \\"poised to assist if needed.\\"
U.S. Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas described the collision as \\"nothing short of a nightmare\\" on X, reflecting the nation's shock over the incident.
American Airlines CEO issued a video statement expressing \\"deep sorrow\\" over the accident. \\"Our hearts go out to all those affected by this tragic event,\\" he said. \\"We are cooperating fully with authorities to determine the cause of this incident.\\"
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the collision. Officials are urging anyone with information to come forward as they work to piece together the events leading up to the crash.
The Potomac River has witnessed aviation accidents in the past, most notably the Air Florida Flight 90 crash in 1982. This latest incident raises concerns about air traffic safety in the congested airspace around the nation's capital.
The identities of the victims have not yet been released pending notification of their families. Emergency services continue to search the area as hope remains that survivors might still be found.
Reference(s):
Plane carrying over 60 collides with helicopter, crashes in Washington
cgtn.com
