After a passenger airliner and military chopper crashed in midair just outside of Washington,
DC, both aircraft fell into the Potomac River, prompting emergency personnel to continue their rescue efforts.
As the American Airlines passenger plane descended to land on Runway 33 at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday,
January 29, the terrible occurrence occurred about 9:00 p.m. local time….
A devastating midair collision between an American Airlines passenger plane and a military helicopter just outside of Washington, D.C., has left both aircraft plummeting into the Potomac River, triggering an urgent rescue operation.
The incident occurred on Wednesday evening, January 29, around 9:00 p.m. local time, as the American Airlines aircraft, which was preparing to land on Runway 33 at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, collided with the military helicopter. The collision resulted in both aircraft falling into the frigid waters of the Potomac River, just south of the airport.
Emergency responders, including local fire and rescue teams, the U.S. Coast Guard, and federal agencies, swiftly mobilized to the scene, launching a rescue mission to locate survivors. According to authorities, several passengers were aboard the American Airlines flight, though the exact number of people involved remains unconfirmed.
Witnesses in the area reported hearing a loud bang followed by an explosion in the sky, and numerous emergency vehicles could be seen racing toward the riverbank. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has announced that it will investigate the cause of the collision and the series of events leading up to the tragedy.
“We are fully focused on saving lives at this time,” said a spokesperson for the Coast Guard. “Our teams are working tirelessly to search the water and recover survivors, but we are deeply saddened by the loss of life we anticipate.”
The American Airlines flight had just departed from another airport and was approaching Ronald Reagan when the collision occurred, and it remains unclear whether weather conditions or a mechanical failure contributed to the tragedy.
The military helicopter involved was reportedly conducting routine operations, though specific details about its mission are yet to be released by the Pentagon.
Washington D.C. residents and those near the riverbank have been asked to stay clear of the area as emergency personnel continue their efforts. The airport itself has been partially affected by the incident, with delays expected for flights arriving and departing, though officials are working to minimize disruptions.
Local authorities have assured the public that they will provide updates as more information becomes available, and families of those involved are being contacted by relevant agencies.
This is a developing story. Further updates will be provided as the situation unfolds.
