A tragic mid-air collision between an American Airlines regional jet and a military helicopter over Washington, DC, has left multiple casualties feared. The accident occurred just five kilometers from the White House at around 9 PM local time (0200 GMT).

The American Eagle Flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines, was en route from Wichita, Kansas, to Washington DC, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members. It collided with a Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter carrying three soldiers as it approached Reagan National Airport for landing.

Eyewitnesses described a massive fireball lighting up the night sky before both aircraft plunged into the icy Potomac River. Emergency response teams, including fireboats and dozens of fire trucks, rushed to the scene despite challenging conditions.

“All flights at Ronald Reagan National Airport have been grounded,” the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced. Local media reported that authorities have begun recovering bodies from the river, though an official casualty count has not been released.

President Donald Trump said he was fully briefed on the “terrible accident” and praised first responders for their swift action. “May God bless their souls,” he said in a statement.

As investigations continue, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and FAA are working to determine the cause of the collision. More updates are expected as the situation unfolds.

A tragic mid-air collision between an American Airlines regional jet and a military helicopter over Washington, DC, has left multiple casualties feared. The accident occurred just five kilometers from the White House at around 9 PM local time (0200 GMT).

The American Eagle Flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines, was en route from Wichita, Kansas, to Washington DC, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members. It collided with a Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter carrying three soldiers as it approached Reagan National Airport for landing.

Eyewitnesses described a massive fireball lighting up the night sky before both aircraft plunged into the icy Potomac River. Emergency response teams, including fireboats and dozens of fire trucks, rushed to the scene despite challenging conditions.

“All flights at Ronald Reagan National Airport have been grounded,” the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced. Local media reported that authorities have begun recovering bodies from the river, though an official casualty count has not been released.

President Donald Trump said he was fully briefed on the “terrible accident” and praised first responders for their swift action. “May God bless their souls,” he said in a statement.

As investigations continue, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and FAA are working to determine the cause of the collision. More updates are expected as the situation unfolds.