A passenger aircraft carrying 64 people collided midair with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday evening, January 29, prompting a massive emergency response in the Potomac River, the Federal Aviation Administration said.
According to reports, some 300 first responders had been deployed to the scene.
The FAA stated the PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700, operating as American Airlines Flight 5342 from Wichita, Kansas, was on approach to Runway 33 when it struck the Sikorsky H-60 helicopter at around 9 p.m. local time.
In a statement, American Airlines confirmed that there were were 60 passengers and four crew members on board the aircraft.
The Metropolitan Police Department said there are no confirmed casualties at this time, but rescue operations are ongoing.
All takeoffs and landings at Reagan National Airport have been halted, airport officials stated on X.
“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,” said President Donald Trump.
This footage was released by American Airlines, and shows the company's CEO Robert Isom providing an update on the accident involving Flight 5342. The airline said the update was recorded before Isom departed to Washington D.C.