(Image source from: REUTERS)
At least 18 dead bodies have allegedly been retrieved from the Potomac River following a mid-air collision between an American Airlines regional aircraft carrying 64 individuals and a military helicopter last night in Washington, located just five kilometers from the White House. Images displayed the nighttime horizon illuminated by what seemed to be an enormous firework as both the jet and helicopter fell into the Potomac River in Washington. The American Eagle Flight 5342 was en route from Kansas to Washington DC with 60 passengers and four crew members, according to the airline. It is reported that several individuals from the US figure skating community were among those on board. The Blackhawk helicopter was conducting a training mission with three soldiers aboard, but there were no high-ranking officials present, officials stated. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that the flight, which was operated by PSA Airlines, collided with the Sikorsky UH-60 helicopter while descending towards the airport around 9 pm local time (0200 GMT).
In a statement, American Airlines expressed, "Our priority is for the safety of the passengers and crew members on the flight. We are coordinating with authorities and aiding in the emergency response efforts." Emergency teams mobilized quickly with police indicating that numerous agencies were reacting to the crash scene. The FAA grounded all flights at Ronald Reagan National Airport. Fireboats participated in the emergency response on the Potomac, and numerous fire trucks were observed making their way to the airport as responders dealt with difficulties due to the lack of light. Local news sources have reported that police have collected at least 18 bodies from the Potomac while divers are searching for additional victims under "extremely rough" circumstances in the river. President Donald Trump mentioned he has received a complete briefing on the “horrific accident,” asserting that the incident “could have been avoided.” He questioned, “Why didn’t the control tower instruct the helicopter on what to do instead of inquiring if they spotted the plane? This is a dire situation that appears to have been preventable,” he wrote on his Truth Social platform.
Robert Isom, the Chief Executive Officer of American Airlines, conveyed his "deep sadness" in a video statement prior to traveling to Washington. "The care team at American Airlines has been mobilized to support our passengers and their relatives. We are fully cooperating with the National Transportation Safety Board and their inquiry," he remarked. American Airlines has set up a toll-free help line at 800-679-8215 for individuals who are concerned that their relatives might have been on the flight. Those located outside the United States should visit news.aa.com to find contact information. Individuals in Canada, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands can use the previously mentioned helpline number.
