A regional passenger jet carrying 60 passengers and four crewmembers collided midair with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River on Wednesday night, sending both aircraft plummeting into the water near Reagan Washington National Airport. Emergency crews launched a large-scale search and rescue effort as authorities scrambled to determine the extent of casualties.
Aircraft Collides in Fiery Explosion Over Washington, D.C.
The Bombardier CRJ700, operated by Pacific Southwest Airlines (PSA), a regional subsidiary of American Airlines, departed from Wichita at approximately 5:20 p.m. CDT. It was nearing Reagan National for landing around 9 p.m. EST when disaster struck.
A surveillance camera at the Kennedy Center captured a bright fireball erupting midair before the two aircraft descended rapidly into the Potomac River. American Airlines quickly confirmed the incident, urging families seeking information about passengers to call 800-679-8215.
As of 10 p.m. CST, authorities had not confirmed any fatalities. However, search and rescue teams were racing against time, combing through the wreckage in frigid waters.
Emergency Response Underway Along the Potomac
At 8:53 p.m. EST, a flood of 911 calls reported an explosion and falling debris near the river. Police, firefighters, and federal emergency teams mobilized immediately.
- Witnesses described seeing flames and hearing a loud explosion before aircraft debris rained down.
- Boats, helicopters, and divers were deployed to locate survivors.
- Local hospitals were placed on high alert in anticipation of possible casualties.
By midnight, emergency officials had yet to release any official casualty numbers, but efforts continued with intense urgency.
Kansas Officials React to the Tragedy
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, whose state is home to many of the plane’s passengers, said she was in active contact with federal authorities.
“My thoughts go out to those involved,” Kelly stated. “I will share more information as it becomes available.”
Several Kansas congressional members, including U.S. Rep. Ron Estes and Sen. Roger Marshall, expressed their shock and concern. Estes and his wife said they were “praying for those on board and for all of the first responders at the scene.”
Sen. Marshall called the collision “nothing short of a nightmare,” emphasizing the difficulty of relaying such tragic news.
Investigators Begin Probing the Cause
Aviation and military safety experts have begun piecing together what led to the catastrophic midair collision.
Key Investigation Points | Details |
---|---|
Aircraft Involved | Bombardier CRJ700 (PSA) & Army Black Hawk |
Crash Time | Approx. 9 p.m. EST |
Location | Potomac River, near Reagan National Airport |
Witness Accounts | Fireball in the sky, loud explosion |
FAA Status | Preliminary investigation underway |
Initial reports suggest the Black Hawk may have been operating in restricted airspace, though officials have not confirmed whether air traffic control issued any warnings before impact. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is expected to release preliminary findings in the coming days.
The Search for Answers Continues
As the sun rises over Washington, D.C., search and rescue teams will continue scanning the river, hoping for survivors. Families of those on board remain in limbo, waiting for news that could change their lives forever. For now, the nation watches and waits, hoping for a miracle in the aftermath of this horrific tragedy.
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