Hundreds of First Responders Scramble to Find Survivors After US Army Helicopter, Passenger Plane Collide in Mid-Air
A devastating mid-air collision between a passenger plane and a US Army helicopter has left the Potomac River near Washington, DC in chaos. The crash, which occurred at around 8:53 pm on Wednesday, has left authorities scrambling to search for survivors and recover bodies.
The passenger plane, American Airlines Flight 5342, was traveling from Wichita, Kansas to Reagan National Airport when it collided with the US Army helicopter. The plane was operated by PSA Airlines and had 64 people on board, including passengers and crew. The helicopter, a US Army Blackhawk, had three people on board and was on a training flight.
Authorities have confirmed that there are fatalities, but the exact number is not known. No survivors have been recovered so far. The search and rescue operation, which is being conducted by hundreds of first responders, is expected to take days.
The crash is being described as one of the deadliest air disasters in decades. The aircraft involved in the collision, a Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet and a US Army Blackhawk helicopter, have been identified. The wreckage is being searched by divers in the dark, cold, and murky waters of the Potomac River.
Air traffic controller audio captured the moment of the crash, with an air traffic controller directing the helicopter to pass behind the passenger plane. The audio also captured the gasps and shock of the air traffic controllers and officials as the collision occurred.
The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration have launched an investigation into the crash. The US Army has also begun an inquiry into the incident.
President Donald Trump said he was “fully briefed” on the crash and was “monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise.” Vice President JD Vance also offered prayers for everyone involved in the accident.