A tragic mid-air collision occurred over Washington DC, involving an American Airlines jet and a US Army helicopter. Both aircraft crashed into the Potomac River, prompting a massive emergency response.
The commercial jet was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, while the military helicopter had three US Army soldiers on board. The incident took place around 9 PM local time as the jet was approaching Runway 33 at Reagan Washington National Airport, according to a statement from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to CBS News.
Authorities have deployed approximately 300 emergency personnel, including police divers and rescue boats, to the crash site. With darkness and strong winds complicating efforts, responders remain in “rescue mode,” scouring the water for survivors. Although reports indicate that several bodies have been recovered, officials have not yet released an official casualty count.
US President Donald Trump acknowledged the devastating accident, stating that he had been briefed on the situation. He also expressed gratitude to emergency responders for their “incredible work” in the ongoing rescue operations.
The investigation into the cause of the collision is underway, as officials work to determine how two aircraft ended up on a fatal collision course in the nation’s capital.
