Tragic Collision in Washington DC: Passenger Plane and Military Helicopter Crash into Potomac River
At approximately 9 PM local time (3 AM Italian time), a regional passenger plane operated by American Airlines collided mid-air with a military helicopter in Washington DC, resulting in both aircraft crashing into the Potomac River. The incident involved 60 passengers and 4 crew members aboard the jet, while the helicopter, a Sikorsky H60 Black Hawk, was carrying 3 military personnel.
Rescue operations have been underway for several hours, but there is currently no information regarding the conditions of those involved in the crash.
The American Airlines plane, a twin-engine CRJ 700 jet managed by PSA Airlines—an American Airlines subsidiary focusing on regional flights—was approaching Ronald Reagan Airport when the collision occurred. Meanwhile, the military helicopter is reported to have been based at Fort Belvoir in Virginia, although officials have not disclosed whether it was arriving in Washington or departing at the time of the incident.
In response to the crash, all departures and arrivals at Ronald Reagan Airport have been suspended, and the airport is expected to remain closed at least until 5 AM local time (11 AM in Italy). The airport is situated on the western bank of the Potomac River, approximately 4 kilometers south of significant landmarks including the White House and the Capitol.
As the situation unfolds, U.S. authorities have not yet proposed any theories regarding the cause of the incident. Updates from rescue teams and officials are eagerly awaited as families of passengers and crew members hope for news about their loved ones.
Related Sources: