An American Airlines regional jet, American Eagle Flight 5342, collided mid-air with a military Blackhawk helicopter near Washington, DC, last night.
The collision occurred just a few kilometres from the White House, and both aircraft crashed into the Potomac River.
The flight, travelling from Kansas to Washington, DC, was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members. The Blackhawk helicopter, which was carrying three soldiers, had no senior officials on board, according to authorities.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says the Army and Department of Defense had immediately launched an investigation into the accident.
Emergency responders, including fireboats and fire trucks, rushed to the scene.
Authorities faced significant challenges due to the darkness and freezing temperatures. While no immediate casualty numbers have been confirmed, local reports indicate that authorities have started recovering bodies from the river.
As per the news agency Associated Press, four people were pulled alive from the Potomac River in DC.
CBS News reported that at least 18 bodies had been recovered so far.
American Airlines expressed concern for the passengers and crew aboard the aircraft in a statement. The airline confirmed it is in contact with authorities and is assisting with emergency response efforts.
The Federal Aviation Administration grounded all flights at Ronald Reagan National Airport as multiple agencies worked on the response.
President Donald Trump expressed condolences over the “terrible accident,” and stated that he has been fully briefed on the situation.
“May God bless their souls. Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders,” the White House quoted him as saying.
Later in a post on Social media platform X, the president said that “this is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented.”
American Airlines has set up a toll-free helpline at 800-679-8215 for those concerned about loved ones who may have been on the flight.
Those outside the US can visit news.aa.com for contact details, and individuals from Canada, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands can call the provided helpline.
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