Washington, D.C., Jan 30 (V7N) – A tragic mid-air collision occurred on Wednesday night when an American Airlines regional jet collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, resulting in both aircraft crashing into the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan National Airport.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the accident took place at approximately 9 p.m. local time as the Bombardier CRJ700, operated by PSA Airlines for American Airlines, was approaching the airport. The flight, designated as PSA 5342, had departed from Wichita, Kansas, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members.

Rescue teams rushed to the scene and have so far recovered 18 bodies, with more casualties feared. Officials have yet to confirm the total number of fatalities as search and rescue efforts continue.

The Black Hawk helicopter, a Sikorsky H-60 model, was conducting a standard training flight with three U.S. Army personnel on board at the time of the collision. The condition of the crew remains unknown.

In response to the disaster, all flights at Reagan National Airport have been suspended, and inbound flights are being redirected to Dulles International Airport. Emergency response teams, including the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash.

U.S. President Donald Trump has been briefed on the incident, describing it as a "terrible accident." He extended his condolences to the families of the victims and commended the efforts of emergency responders engaged in the rescue operations.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation, and further updates are expected as the investigation unfolds.

END/RH/AJ