Ronald Reagan National Airport has suspended operations following an “aircraft emergency”
Emergency vehicles stage at Reagan National Airport, Jan. 29, 2025 © AP / Kevin Wolf
An American Airlines regional jet has collided midair with a helicopter over the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said.
A PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jetliner, Flight 5342 from Wichita, Kansas, collided with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while approaching Runway 33 at the airport. According to the FAA, The incident occurred during the jet’s final approach.
Local authorities have reported that at least one aircraft had gone into the Potomac River, prompting a significant emergency response, as seen in images circulating on social media.
The FAA announced that Reagan Washington National Airport was temporarily shut down following the incident.
American Airlines acknowledged the situation in a post on X, stating that updates would be provided as more details emerged.
There is no immediate information on casualties. According to the airline’s website, its CRJ-700 planes are configured to carry 65 passengers.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced on X that a multi-agency search and rescue operation is currently in progress in the Potomac River following an aircraft crash.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will take charge of the investigation to determine the cause of the crash.
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30 January 2025
04:27 GMT
American Airlines has confirmed that 60 passengers and four crew members were on board at the time of the collision.
”Our primary concern is for the passengers and crew,” the airline said in a statement, emphasizing that they are in close contact with authorities and actively providing support as needed. American Airlines has assured the public that it will continue to share updates as more details become available.
- 04:16 GMT
The president of the International Association of Fire Fighters union has stated that firefighter dive teams are making every effort to locate survivors.
Search and rescue efforts are underway in the Potomac River, with @Local3217, @IAFF36, @IAFFlocal1619, and dozens of other firefighters engaged in dive operations. They’re doing everything they can to bring survivors to safety. Our prayers are with everyone affected.
— Edward A. Kelly (@IAFFPresident) January 30, 2025
- 04:13 GMT
The US Army has confirmed that the helicopter involved in the collision was a Black Hawk.
”We can confirm that the aircraft involved in tonight’s incident was an Army UH-60 helicopter out of Fort Belvoir, Virginia,” the Army stated. “We are working with local officials and will provide additional information once it becomes available.”
- 03:58 GMT
US President Donald Trump has acknowledged the “terrible accident that just occurred at Reagan National Airport.”
“May God bless their souls,” he said in a message shared on X by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
pic.twitter.com/UOTJ6hYPev
— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) January 30, 2025
- 03:57 GMT
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told FOX News that the administration’s thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected.
”We ask the public in this area to please stand by for guidance from law enforcement and allow them to do their jobs as they attempt to save lives,” Leavitt said.
She also confirmed that US President Donald Trump has been informed about the crash.
- 03:52 GMT
Pete Hegseth, the newly confirmed Defense Secretary, stated on X that the Pentagon is “closely monitoring” the situation.
DoD actively monitoring. Poised to assist if needed. Prayers for all involved. https://t.co/qoFy90q22K
— Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) January 30, 2025
- 03:46 GMT
Vice President JD Vance urged people to pray for those aboard the plane that crashed in Virginia this evening.
”Please say a prayer for everyone involved in the mid-air collision near Reagan Airport this evening. We’re monitoring the situation, but for now, let’s hope for the best,” Vance wrote on X.
- 03:43 GMT
American Airlines has stated on X that it was aware of the incident and would share updates as more information became available.
We’re aware of reports that American Eagle flight 5342, operated by PSA, with service from Wichita, Kansas (ICT) to Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA) has been involved in an incident. We will provide information as it becomes available.
— americanair (@AmericanAir) January 30, 2025
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