Washington: 18 killed after passenger plane collided with chopper midair; airport shut, rescue operation intensified
PTC News Desk: At least 18 people are killed and several other injured after a passenger plane on Thursday collided midair with a helicopter while approaching Reagan Washington National Airport. Soon after the incident, authorities launched a rescue operation.
Eighteen bodies were recovered from the river as multiple agencies are involved in a search and rescue operation. However, 60 passengers were scheduled to be on the jet, airline sources said.
All takeoffs and landings from the airport near Washington have been halted in the wake of the incident, officials said.
BREAKING: Mid-air collision between a helicopter and commercial jet on approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Rescue boats are scanning the Potomac River. pic.twitter.com/ySwHFq9Ej1 — Breaking 4 News (@Breaking_4_News) January 30, 2025
US Senator Ted Cruz said there were fatalities in the incident. "While we don’t yet know how many on board were lost, we know there are fatalities," he tweeted.
American Airlines said that it was aware of the incident.
"We’re aware of reports that American Eagle flight 5342, operated by PSA, with service from Wichita, Kansas (ICT) to Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA) has been involved in an incident. We will provide information as it becomes available," the airline said in a statement.
- PTC NEWS