Mid-Air Collision Over Washington DC: Passenger Plane Crashes Into Potomac River
Washington DC, January 30, 2025: A tragic mid-air collision between a PSA Airlines passenger jet and a US Army helicopter has resulted in a devastating crash into the Potomac River, near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The accident, which occurred late Wednesday night, has left emergency responders scrambling to locate survivors in freezing waters.
What Happened?
At 9:00 PM (local time) / 02:00 GMT, American Airlines Flight 5432, operated by PSA Airlines, collided with a US Army Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while approaching the airport. The Bombardier CRJ700 aircraft had taken off from Wichita, Kansas, carrying 60 passengers and 4 crew members.
The Pentagon confirmed that the helicopter had three US Army personnel on board and had departed from Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Following the collision, the plane broke apart, with wreckage scattered across the river, while the helicopter flipped over and sank.
Casualties and Rescue Operations
18 bodies have been recovered so far, but official casualty numbers are yet to be confirmed.
Emergency response teams, including police, firefighters, and Coast Guard units, are conducting search operations under extreme winter conditions.Flights at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport have been temporarily suspended as investigations are underway.
Eyewitness Accounts
Ari Schulman, who was driving along George Washington Parkway, described seeing the plane approach normally before it veered sharply right, sending out a trail of sparks beneath its body.
He noted that the aircraft’s underside was clearly visible, which he found highly unusual for landings at that airport.
Jimmy Mazeo, who was dining with his girlfriend in a nearby park, recalled witnessing a bright white flash in the sky, followed by what he later realized was the crash.He initially dismissed it as routine air traffic movement, until he saw emergency responders rushing to the scene.
Official Responses
President Donald Trump called the crash a “horrific tragedy”, offering prayers for the victims and their families.Vice President JD Vance urged the nation to pray for those affected.Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that they were closely monitoring developments.
American Airlines CEO Robert Isom released a statement expressing deep sorrow and vowing full cooperation with investigators.
Investigation and Next Steps
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a full-scale investigation into the cause of the collision. Experts will be analyzing flight data, air traffic control records, and witness statements to determine the circumstances leading to this disaster.
The search for survivors continues, as authorities brace for potentially rising casualty figures.
