The Impressive TimesWashington, Jan,30,2025– A commercial aircraft carrying 64 individuals was involved in a midair collision with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan National Airport, just outside Washington, DC, as it was approaching for landing, according to statements from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and defense officials.
At present, no casualties have been officially confirmed, the Metropolitan Police Department stated. A large-scale emergency response operation is underway in DC’s Potomac River, where both aircraft crashed, CNN reported.
As per a US defense official, the aircraft—American Airlines Flight 5342—was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members. It had taken off from Wichita, Kansas, according to an airline spokesperson. The Black Hawk helicopter, with three soldiers on board, was operating out of Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
Following the incident, all flight operations, including takeoffs and landings, have been suspended at Reagan National Airport.
American Airlines has set up a hotline for concerned family members of those aboard Flight 5342.
“If you suspect that a loved one was on board Flight 5342, please contact American Airlines at 800-679-8215,” the airline announced.
“For international callers, visit news.aa.com for relevant contact details. Relatives in Canada, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands can call 800-679-8215 directly,” it added.
The airline assured that updates would continue as more information becomes available.
Emergency vehicles were seen rushing to the crash site in Washington, DC, on Wednesday night.
Sarah Fishel, a resident of a condominium near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, reported hearing loud sirens and began recording around 9:10 p.m. ET. “I rushed to the rooftop and immediately witnessed the emergency response,” she told CNN.
Former US President Donald Trump stated that he had been “fully briefed” on the tragic collision between the passenger aircraft and military helicopter.
Trump further mentioned that he was “actively monitoring the situation and will provide updates as more details emerge.”
“May God bless their souls. Deep gratitude to our incredible first responders for their heroic efforts,” Trump said in his statement.
A law enforcement official revealed that fatalities have been confirmed, and as of now, no survivors have been pulled from the water. Search and rescue efforts are still underway in the Washington, DC, area.
According to the source, the passenger aircraft has broken apart in the river, and the Black Hawk helicopter is also submerged nearby.
The Association of Flight Attendants (AFA), a union representing 55,000 flight attendants, issued a statement confirming that two of its members were aboard Flight 5342.
“Our union is actively responding to the devastating midair collision involving PSA Flight 5342 and a military helicopter. Two AFA Flight Attendants were part of the crew,” the statement read.
“As we rally to support the families and crew members directly impacted by this incident, we extend our strength to the brave first responders working tirelessly to rescue survivors.”
Firefighters are conducting extensive dive operations at the crash site in the Potomac River, according to a union representative.
“Search and rescue teams are actively working in the Potomac River,” Edward Kelly, general president of the International Association of Fire Fighters, posted on X.
“They are doing everything possible to bring survivors to safety. Our prayers remain with everyone affected,” he added.
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