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| Rescue operations are underway in the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan National Airport. January 30, 2025 | Photo: AFP |
At least 18 bodies have been recovered following a mid-air collision between a passenger plane and a military helicopter over Washington, leading to both aircraft crashing into the Potomac River. A police official confirmed the news to CBS News.
Meanwhile, two sources told Reuters that several bodies have been retrieved from the river.
On Wednesday night (January 29), an American Airlines domestic passenger plane collided mid-air with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Both aircraft subsequently crashed into the Potomac River.
🚨🇺🇸BREAKING: American airlines flight 5342 has collided mid air with a black hawk police helicopter and crashed into the Potomac river in Washington DC. The flight boarded by 60 passangers while HC had 4.#planecrash #WashingtonDC #Washington #collision #USA pic.twitter.com/FTxOxmkpP2
— News Times Daily (@news_timesdaily) January 30, 2025
American Airlines confirmed that their aircraft had 64 people on board, including 60 passengers and four crew members. A U.S. official stated that the helicopter had three military personnel on board.
Heather Chairez, media chief for the U.S. Army's Joint Task Force-National Capital Region, told CBS News that the military helicopter was on a training flight.
Family members have gathered at the airport, expressing frustration over the lack of information from authorities. Many stated they are relying on media reports for updates rather than official sources.
This marks the first fatal passenger plane crash in the U.S. since February 2009. In recent years, there have been several incidents involving aircraft that could have resulted in casualties, raising serious concerns.
In 1982, Air Florida Flight 90 crashed into the Fourteenth Street Bridge over the Potomac River, killing 70 passengers and four crew members. Only four passengers and one crew member survived the tragedy.