A tragic mid-air collision unfolded at Ronald Reagan National Airport on Wednesday night when a passenger jet struck a helicopter while landing, triggering a massive search-and-rescue operation and halting all flights, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Various reports state that 18 out of the 60 people onboard have died.
The accident involved PSA Airlines Flight 5342, an American Airlines-operated regional jet that had taken off from Wichita, Kansas, with a capacity of up to 65 passengers. As the aircraft approached the airport, the collision occurred, leading to immediate emergency response efforts.
BREAKING: Footage of air collision over Washington DC pic.twitter.com/GIqRAaPaC3
— The Spectator Index (@spectatorindex) January 30, 2025
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Senator Ted Cruz of Texas confirmed on social media that there were fatalities, though the exact number remains undisclosed.
American Airlines acknowledged the incident in a social media post, stating that it was aware of reports involving Flight 5342 and confirming the aircraft was en route from Wichita to Washington, D.C. The airline assured the public that it would provide further updates as more details emerged. Authorities confirmed that multiple agencies, including the US Park Police, DC Metropolitan Police Department, and the US military, were involved in search and rescue operations in the Potomac River following the crash. DC Fire and EMS reported that fireboats were deployed to the scene.
