67 Passengers Dead as Plane and Helicopter Collide Over Washington DC; 28 Bodies Recovered

67 Passengers Dead as Plane and Helicopter Collide Over Washington DC; 28 Bodies Recovered

Washington, DC – On Wednesday night, near Reagan National Airport, a passenger plane and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter collided mid-air over the Potomac River. Hundreds of rescue workers responded immediately and are now diving into the frigid waters in search of possible survivors. However, rescue teams have stated that they do not believe anyone could have survived this tragic accident.

According to enforcement sources, the crash has resulted in confirmed fatalities, though the exact death toll remains unclear. The American Airlines flight carried 64 passengers, while the US Army helicopter carried three soldiers at the time of the collision.

Airline Information

American Airlines confirmed that the plane was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members. The helicopter had three soldiers aboard. Among the plane's passengers were members of the US figure skating community, some of whom are feared to have perished in the accident.

Time of the Crash

The collision occurred as the plane was preparing to land at Reagan National Airport. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated that the flight originated in Wichita, Kansas, and was scheduled to land at Reagan at 9:00 PM local time. However, at 8:53 PM, police were notified of the crash.

Rescue Operation

Dive operations are underway in the icy, dark waters of the Potomac River. Rescuers are working in hazardous conditions, navigating floating ice and challenging environments. The rescue effort is a complex mission that may take several days to complete. Local authorities reported that water temperatures are hovering around 35°F, and prolonged exposure to such cold can lead to hypothermia, putting lives at risk.

President Trump’s Reaction

President Donald Trump has been fully briefed on the crash and is closely monitoring the situation. He stated, “This is a tragic accident, and our first responders are doing an extraordinary job.”

The US Army Black Hawk helicopter was reportedly on a training flight and did not have any high-ranking officials aboard. Airport authorities have announced that all flights to and from Reagan National Airport have been suspended.