A tragic midair collision occurred in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night when a commercial passenger jet and a military helicopter crashed into the Potomac River, leading to a massive and complex rescue operation.
The accident happened just before 9:00 PM when an American Airlines Bombardier jet, operated by its regional subsidiary PSA, was on its final approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. At the same time, a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter was conducting a training flight in the area. Eyewitness footage from Washington’s Kennedy Center showed the two aircraft colliding in a fiery explosion before plummeting into the river.
Authorities have not yet provided an official death toll, but multiple bodies have been recovered. Reports indicate that at least 18 people have been pulled from the freezing waters, with sources suggesting the number of fatalities may rise. The plane was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, while the helicopter had three military personnel on board.
The rescue mission is described as “extremely difficult,” with more than 300 emergency responders battling dark, icy, and dangerous conditions in the Potomac. Divers have been deployed, while helicopters sweep the river using powerful searchlights. The U.S. Coast Guard has also been called in to assist. Officials expect the recovery operation to last several days.
Among the victims are reportedly members of the U.S. figure skating community, with U.S. Figure Skating releasing a heartbreaking statement expressing sorrow over the tragedy. Russian news agencies have also reported that 1994 world champion figure skating duo Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov were among those on the plane.
Following the crash, former President Donald Trump took to social media, calling the collision a “preventable disaster.” He questioned why the helicopter did not change course and criticized air traffic controllers for failing to intervene. Investigators are now examining potential causes, including miscommunication between the aircraft and the control tower.
This disaster has drawn comparisons to the infamous 1982 Air Florida Flight 90 crash, which also involved a plane crashing into the Potomac River, killing 74 people. The similarities between the two accidents have only intensified concerns about air safety over Washington, D.C.
With rescue and recovery efforts still underway, authorities are expected to provide further updates on the casualties and potential causes of the tragic accident in the coming days.
