A Tragic Night Near Washington, D.C.
On Wednesday night, January 29, a mid-air collision involving an American Airlines regional passenger jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter occurred near Washington, D.C., resulting in both aircraft plunging into the partially frozen Potomac River. The collision has sparked an urgent search and rescue operation.
Details of the Collision
The American Airlines regional jet, identified as Flight 5342, was carrying 64 people, including 60 passengers and 4 crew members. The U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter had three soldiers aboard. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that Flight 5342 had departed from Wichita, Kansas, and was heading toward Reagan National Airport at the time of the accident.
Search and Rescue Operations Underway
The D.C. Fire and EMS Department immediately dispatched rescue boats and emergency teams to the scene to search for survivors. As of late Wednesday night, officials have not yet released any information on injuries or casualties. Rescue teams are working against the clock in freezing conditions, and fireboats have been actively navigating the cold, turbulent river in hopes of finding survivors.
Authorities confirmed that takeoffs and landings at Reagan National Airport were suspended following the crash, with the airport expected to remain closed until at least 5 a.m. Thursday.
American Airlines Responds
American Airlines CEO Robert Isom expressed deep concern and stated that the airline is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation led by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). In a video statement, Isom emphasized the airline’s commitment to providing assistance to investigators and support to affected families.
Presidential Monitoring and Investigation
Former President Donald Trump, addressing the accident, described it as a “terrible incident” and confirmed that he is closely monitoring the rescue and recovery efforts. Both the FAA and the NTSB are investigating the cause of the crash, including examining air traffic communications, radar data, and flight recordings to understand what led to the mid-air collision.
Ongoing Media Briefings
A media briefing is scheduled to take place at 12:45 a.m. ET at Reagan National Airport, where officials are expected to provide updates on rescue efforts, potential survivors, and preliminary findings of the investigation. USA TODAY is offering live coverage of the unfolding events, with further updates anticipated on Thursday, January 30.
As rescue teams continue to search for survivors in the icy waters of the Potomac, investigators are working to determine how this tragic mid-air collision occurred. With weather conditions adding to the complexity of rescue operations, the focus remains on saving lives and uncovering the factors that led to the disaster. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the importance of air safety and the unpredictable nature of aviation accidents.
