A regional passenger plane carrying approximately 60 people crashed into a helicopter on Wednesday, Jan. 29.
Emergency crews rushed to the Potomac River, where the accident occurred. Authorities confirmed that 18 bodies had been recovered from the water by late evening, according to CBS News. Police at the scene reported no survivors as of 11:30 p.m. ET.
Investigators discovered at least three debris fields in the river, and search efforts remained active. Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser addressed reporters during a press conference but refrained from confirming the number of recovered bodies. Officials only provided the number of people aboard both aircraft and did not specify casualties.
Rescue teams continued operations despite confirmed fatalities, as reported by CNN.
According to law enforcement sources, no one had been pulled from the water alive at that point. The search for potential survivors persisted, with multiple agencies involved in the mission.
American Airlines issued a statement identifying the aircraft as a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet. The plane carried 60 passengers and four crew members. Meanwhile, the U.S. Army confirmed that the helicopter involved was a Sikorsky H-60, also known as a Black Hawk. Three crew members were aboard the helicopter.
The Metropolitan Police Department released a statement indicating that multiple agencies were coordinating search and rescue efforts.
Authorities refrained from providing specific casualty figures. DC Fire and EMS confirmed the presence of fireboats at the scene, assisting in recovery operations.
Four individuals were rescued from the river and transported to a nearby hospital, according to NBC 4. Their conditions remained undisclosed. Emergency responders continued working tirelessly to locate additional victims, hoping for potential survivors.
The FAA acknowledged the incident and provided details about the aircraft involved. The agency stated that the PSA Airlines flight operated as American Eagle Flight 5342, traveling from Wichita, Kansas, to Washington Reagan National Airport. The NTSB assumed leadership of the investigation, aiming to determine the cause of the mid-air collision.
The crash occurred near Runway 33 around 9 p.m. local time.
American Airlines confirmed the incident on social media, stating that they were monitoring the situation closely. Officials assured the public that updates would be provided as more information became available.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore confirmed that state and local authorities had mobilized emergency resources. He announced that Maryland’s Emergency Operations Center had elevated its status to “Enhanced” in response. Divers from the Maryland State Police joined the rescue mission, and Maryland Natural Resources Police were present at the scene.
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly also acknowledged the tragedy, expressing concern for those affected. She stated that she remained in close contact with officials and pledged to share additional updates. Authorities in Kansas followed the situation closely, given the flight’s departure from Wichita.
President Donald Trump issued a statement expressing condolences to the victims and gratitude to first responders. He assured the public that he had been fully briefed and was monitoring developments. His message conveyed sympathy and appreciation for emergency crews working tirelessly at the crash site.
Vice President J.D. Vance urged people to pray for those affected by the collision. In a social media post, he emphasized the severity of the incident and encouraged hope. Officials continued monitoring the situation, prioritizing rescue and recovery efforts.
The tragedy sent shockwaves across the nation as authorities worked to uncover the cause of the crash.
Investigators sought to determine what led to the deadly mid-air collision. Families of those aboard awaited answers, hoping for any sign of survivors.
Rescue crews remained on-site, navigating the challenging conditions of the Potomac River. Despite the darkness and frigid temperatures, responders remained committed to their mission. Officials urged the public to respect the ongoing investigation and await official updates.
The crash underscored the risks associated with aviation and the critical role of emergency responders. As rescue and recovery efforts progressed, authorities pledged transparency and diligence. The investigation aimed to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
This devastating event highlighted the importance of coordinated emergency responses. First responders worked alongside federal and local agencies, demonstrating unity in crisis. Their dedication provided hope amid heartbreak as the nation mourned those lost.