US passenger plane collided with helicopter in mid-air and crashed into Potomac River, multiple bodies recovered

A US passenger plane collided with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter in mid-air while approaching Washington Reagan National Airport on Wednesday evening, and the plane crashed into the Potomac River. A large number of rescue workers were involved in the search and rescue operation. According to reports, at least 18 bodies had been found as of 11:30 p.m. Eastern Time. The Federal Aviation Administration said that a Pacific Southwest Airlines regional jet collided with a “Black Hawk” helicopter in mid-air while approaching Runway 33 of Washington Reagan National Airport at 9 p.m. local time. According to officials, after the mid-air collision, the aircraft fell into the Potomac River flowing through Washington. Washington police said on the X platform that multiple agencies are conducting rescue operations at the crash site in the Potomac River. The Federal Aviation Administration has ordered the suspension of all flights at Reagan Airport, and the airport will be closed until 5 a.m. on Friday. American Airlines issued a statement that American Eagle Flight 5342 was flying from Wichita, Kansas to Washington. The flight was operated by Pacific Southwest Airlines’ Bombardier CRJ700 regional airliner. It was confirmed that the commercial airliner was carrying 60 passengers and 4 crew members. The US military confirmed that there were 3 soldiers on the Black Hawk helicopter. There are no detailed information on the casualties of the two aircraft. US President Donald Trump said in a White House statement: “I have been fully informed of the terrible accident that just occurred at Reagan National Airport. May God bless their souls. Thank you to our first responders for their outstanding work. I am following the developments and will provide more details.” White House Press Secretary Carolyn Levitt said in an interview with Fox News that President Trump has been briefed on the relevant situation. Vice President J.D. Vance said on the social platform that he “prays for everyone.” US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said in an interview with CNN that “all available US Coast Guard resources are being deployed for search and rescue.” US House Speaker Mike Johnson wrote on social media X: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the tragedy at Reagan National Airport. Please join me in praying for all those involved and our first responders.” Texas Senator Ted Cruz also posted on social media that “we know that people have died,” but did not disclose the specific number. Police have pulled several bodies from the Potomac River, officials and people familiar with the matter reported.