Passenger Plane Collides With Military Helicopter Near Washington, DC

A devastating mid-air collision between an American Airlines jet and a military helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport has claimed the lives of 60 people, sparking a massive emergency response and raising questions about air traffic control in the nation’s capital.

At a Glance

  • An American Airlines jet collided with a military Blackhawk helicopter near Reagan National Airport
  • The crash resulted in 60 fatalities, including passengers, crew, and military personnel
  • The incident occurred in highly restricted airspace, prompting security concerns
  • A large-scale search and rescue operation is underway in the Potomac River
  • Reagan National Airport was closed due to the emergency, with flights halted

Tragic Collision Claims 60 Lives

In a shocking incident that has stunned the nation, an American Airlines jet carrying 60 passengers and four crew members collided with a U.S. Army UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The collision, which occurred shortly before 9 p.m. EST on January 29, resulted in both aircraft crashing into the Potomac River, claiming the lives of all aboard.

The commercial aircraft, identified as a Bombardier CRJ-701, was approaching the airport when it struck the military helicopter, which was reportedly on a training flight. The impact caused a mid-air explosion, captured on video by nearby witnesses, before both aircraft plummeted into the river.

Massive Emergency Response Underway

The collision prompted an immediate and extensive emergency response. District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser stated, “We are going to recover our fellow citizens.” At least 100 ambulances rushed to the scene, joined by multiple agencies including DC Fire and EMS.

The Federal Aviation Administration swiftly closed Reagan National Airport, halting all flights to facilitate the emergency operations.

The collision has raised serious questions about air traffic control procedures and security measures in the highly restricted airspace surrounding Washington, D.C. The White House

As search and rescue operations continued in the Potomac River, the nation grappled with the magnitude of this tragedy. Among the passengers on the ill-fated American Airlines flight were a group of figure skaters returning from a development camp, adding a poignant note to the already heart-wrenching event. “May God Bless their souls,” President Donald Trump said.