Eighteen bodies were reportedly removed from the Potomac River after an American Airlines regional passenger plane collided with a helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, Jan. 29, a police official at the scene told CBS News.
The police official said there were at least three debris fields in the water and at least 18 bodies have been recovered as of 11:30 p.m. ET, reports CBS News. The official told the outlet no survivors have been found so far.
CNN reported earlier that while there are confirmed fatalities, rescuers have not pulled anyone from the water yet and rescue efforts continue, citing a law enforcement source.
The PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet had 60 passengers and four crew members aboard, American Airlines said in a statement. There were three crew members aboard the Sikorsky H-60 helicopter, an Army Black Hawk helicopter, the U.S. Army told CNN.
The Metropolitan Police Department said in a statement that multiple agencies are currently coordinating a search and rescue operation in the Potomac River and “there is no confirmed information on casualties at this time.” DC Fire and EMS added that there are fireboats on the scene.
The four people were removed from the river and taken to a local hospital, per NBC 4.
TING SHEN/AFP via Getty
Plane crash at Reagan Washington National Airport on January 29, 2025.
Related: American Airlines Plane Carrying 64 People Crashes Midair with Army Black Hawk Helicopter Over Washington, D.C.
The FAA said in a statement that the incident involved a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet and a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter. CNN reported that it was an Army Black Hawk helicopter, citing two U.S. defense officials. The New York Times also reported it was an Army Black Hawk helicopter, citing an Army official.
“PSA was operating as Flight 5342 for American Airlines. It departed from Wichita, Kansas. The FAA and NTSB will investigate. The NTSB will lead the investigation,” the statement said.
The collision occurred as they were approaching Runway 33 around 9 p.m. local time.
Related: American Airlines Plane Carrying 64 People Crashes Midair with Army Black Hawk Helicopter Over Washington, D.C.
American Airlines confirmed the news in a statement on X. “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,” the statement read.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said in a post to X that the state of Maryland and local authorities are “engaged in response.”
“@MDMEMA has raised its Emergency Operations Center to ‘Enhanced’ status in support. @MDSP have deployed divers to the scene to assist with rescue missions. @MarylandDNR police are also on scene. There are no operational restrictions on BWI at this time,” Moore wrote.
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly also posted on X, saying she is aware of the flight that was inbound from Wichita, Kans. “I am actively in contact with authorities. My thoughts go out to those involved. I will share more information as it becomes available.”
Andrew Harnik/Getty
Emergency response units wait on the tarmac as search and rescue operations are underway in the Potomac River at Ronald Reagan Washington Airport on January 30, 2025 in Washington, DC. Early reports indicate a helicopter and airplane collided near Reagan National Airport.
President Donald Trump issued a statement: “I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport. May God Bless their souls. Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise.”
Vice President J.D. Vance asked for prayers on X. “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,” he wrote.
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