A tragic mid-air collision near Washington, D.C., has resulted in the crash of a commercial airliner and a U.S. Army helicopter into the Potomac River. The incident, which took place around 9:00 PM local time on Wednesday, has prompted an extensive search and rescue operation in freezing conditions. So far, 18 bodies have been recovered, while efforts continue to locate any remaining survivors.
Details of the Aircraft Involved
Passenger Plane: The aircraft, identified as American Airlines Flight 5342 and operated by PSA Airlines, was a Bombardier CRJ700. It had departed from Wichita, Kansas, and was en route to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Onboard were 60 passengers and four crew members.
Military Helicopter: The second aircraft was a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter from the U.S. Army’s B Company, 12th Aviation Battalion, based at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. The helicopter was on a routine training mission, carrying three soldiers.
Investigation and Flight Disruptions
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the collision. As a precaution, all flights at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport have been temporarily grounded.
Eyewitness Reports
Several witnesses described the shocking moment of impact:
Ari Schulman, a driver on the George Washington Parkway, reported seeing the plane banking sharply to the right, trailing “streams of sparks” along its underside. He described it as looking like a “giant Roman candle” before the crash.
Jimmy Mazeo, who was dining near the airport, observed a “white flare” in the sky and noted that aircraft appeared to be flying in unusual patterns. His concerns deepened as emergency responders rushed to the scene.
Statements from Officials
Former President Donald Trump extended his condolences, stating that he had been fully briefed on the “terrible accident” and was closely monitoring the situation. He added, “May God bless their souls.”
American Airlines CEO Robert Isom expressed deep sorrow in a statement, emphasizing that the airline was cooperating fully with investigators and offering support to those affected.
Ongoing Search and Rescue Efforts
Emergency responders, including teams in rubber boats, continue to search the icy waters of the Potomac River. The challenging conditions, including strong winds and ice, are making the recovery operation difficult. Authorities remain focused on locating any survivors and gathering evidence to determine the exact cause of the collision.
Conclusion
This tragic incident has raised concerns about flight safety and air traffic management in the Washington, D.C., region. Investigators will work to uncover the circumstances leading to the crash while families of those on board await further updates. Our thoughts remain with all those affected by this devastating accident.
Author: Hassan Ahmad
