A shocking mid-air collision occurred near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, leaving authorities scrambling to uncover the truth behind the tragic event.
Key Takeaways
- American Airlines’ regional jet Flight 5342 collided with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter near Reagan Airport.
- The crash resulted in the stoppage of all airport operations as emergency services scrambled to save lives.
- Four people were injured and transported to local hospitals following the incident.
- The NTSB, supported by the FAA, is leading an intensive investigation into the cause of the collision.
- Authorities, including Vice President Vance, called for prayers and support for affected individuals.
Collision Details
An American Airlines regional jet operating as Flight 5342 collided mid-air with a military Sikorsky H-60 helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. At approximately 9 p.m. ET, the PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet, carrying 64 civilians, was approaching Runway 33 when it met with the helicopter engaged in a training mission from Fort Belvoir.
This catastrophic collision led to a fireball in the sky, as confirmed by FAA video footage, abruptly halting airport operations, and instigating a massive search-and-rescue mission along the Potomac River, where water temperatures were as low as 42 degrees Fahrenheit.
Response and Investigation
Emergency services promptly responded, transferring four injured individuals to nearby hospitals. Tragically, there were confirmed fatalities, with no survivors recovered by 11:40 p.m. President Donald Trump was promptly informed and expressed his condolences to the victims’ families, stating, “May God Bless their souls.”
In response, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), supported by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), initiated an exhaustive investigation to determine the events leading to this tragic incident, with authorities closely monitoring developments.
Authorities and Public Reaction
Vice President JD Vance made a public call for prayers and understanding, asking citizens to hold those affected in their thoughts, as emergency personnel continue their critical work. “Please say a prayer for everyone involved in the mid-air collision near Reagan airport this evening,” Vance urged.
Meanwhile, onlookers, family members, and airport authorities gathered, hoping to understand the situation and offer their support to those impacted. The airport terminal remains open, with operations halted only temporarily.
Sources
1. What we know about the fiery mid-air crash at Washington DC’s Reagan airport
2. JD Vance Calls for Prayers ‘For Everyone Involved’ In Collision at Ronald Reagan Airport
