A midair collision between a passenger jet and an Army helicopter has grounded flights in Washington, D.C. According to the Associated Press, the crash happened at around 9 p.m. local time and involved an American Eagle flight arriving at Ronald Reagan National Airport from Witchita, Kansas.
Details About Rescue Efforts After Jet & Army Helicopter Collision
Currently, the Federal Aviation Administration has halted all takeoffs and landings from the D.C. airport. Information about the incident is still developing, but CNN reports the Metro PD has not confirmed any casualties.
The passenger jet and Blackhawk helicopter collided over the Potomac River. According to the AP, emergency rescue officials are launching inflatable rescue boats into the river from near the airport along the George Washington Parkway. CNN also shared that Maryland Governor Wes Moore confirmed that the Maryland State Police had sent divers into the river at the crash site. Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has also deployed resources.
American Airlines Shares Info About Flight
Amid the breaking news, American Airlines first addressed the incident at the Ronald Reagan National Airport via X. They confirmed knowing about the collision and announced plans to share information “as it became available.” In a follow-up press release, AA revealed that the American Eagle flight (5342) had 60 passengers and four crew members on board. They provided contact information for folks seeking information about loved ones who were on the jet.
“Our concern is for the passengers and crew on board the aircraft. We are in contact with authorities and assisting with emergency response efforts.If you believe you may have loved ones on board Flight 5342, call American Airlines toll-free at 800-679-8215. Those calling from outside the U.S. can visit news.aa.com for additional phone numbers. Family members in Canada, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands can call 800-679-8215 directly.”
What To Know About The Helicopter Involved In Jet Crash
According to the AP, audio from the air traffic control tower tried to alert the military helicopter about the passenger jet. “PAT25, do you have the CRJ in sight?” the controller reportedly asked the aircraft.
Media Chief Heather Chairez, from the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region, revealed more details about the helicopter to CNN. The Black Hawk that crashed was reportedly on a training flight, but it’s still unclear where the aircraft took off from.
Soon after the crash, the tower reportedly started redirecting air traffic before the FAA grounded all flights. An observation camera video from the Kennedy Center reportedly shows a fireball in the sky when the jet and helicopter collided.
Husband Of Woman On Passenger Jet Speaks
Hamaad Raza reportedly spoke with WUSA9, revealing that his wife was on the flight. He said she had texted him, saying they were 20 minutes from landing. However, he became worried when his response texts didn’t go through.
“I’m just praying that someone is pulling her out of the river right now as we speak,” Raza told the outlet.
President Donald Trump is reportedly “fully briefed” on the jet and helicopter collision and is monitoring the situation. Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time a passenger jet has ended up in the Potomac River. In January 1982, 78 people died after an Air Florida flight crashed due to bad weather.
This breaking story is being updated live. Please refresh for updates.
The post BREAKING! Flights Halted In Washington D.C. After American Eagle Jet & Army Helicopter Collide Midair (VIDEO) appeared first on The Shade Room.
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