An American Airlines flight out of Wichita, Kansas crashed in the Washington D.C. area Wednesday night near the Reagan National Airport after colliding midair with a military Blackhawk helicopter.
American Airlines has said that 60 passengers and 4 crew members were aboard the flight involved in the crash.
As of 11:30pm Wednesday night, officials have not publicly confirmed any injuries or fatalities in connection with the crash.
Washington D.C. police launched a search and rescue operation in the Potomac River in conjunction with other emergency response agencies. Footage of the scene shows a massive response to the incident with what appear to be dozens of emergency vehicles.
First responders from Northern Virginia, Washington D.C., and Maryland have been mobilized in response to the crash, which occurred at 8:53pm Wednesday night.
Video captured from an observation camera at the nearby Kennedy Center shows what is believed to be the crash, as two sets of lights appear to collide forming a fire ball.
WATCH: An American Airlines plane collided with a military helicopter crashing into the Potomac River near D.C.'s Reagan National Airport Wednesday night, according to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) officials.
— CBS 13 News (@WGME) January 30, 2025
STORY: https://t.co/SDemF4ANI6 pic.twitter.com/Z0UkxVas5l
All takeoffs and landings from the airport have been halted in response to the incident.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed during an interview with Sean Hannity of Fox News that it was a military helicopter that collided with the passenger plane Wednesday night.
This was further confirmed in a statement from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) posted to X shortly after 10pm which specified that a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter, commonly referred to as a Blackhawk helicopter, collided with the American Airlines passenger plane.
Jennifer Griffin, Chief National Security Correspondent for Fox News, was told by a U.S. army official that no senior officials were onboard the helicopter involved in the crash. She further reported on X that the Army has said the Blackhawk was carrying three soldiers at the time of the collision.
“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,” American Airlines said in a statement posted to X at 10pm. “We will provide information as it becomes available.”
Leavitt has confirmed that President Donald Trump (R) has been briefed on the incident and will “continue to monitor the situation.”
Shortly before 11pm, the White House issued an official statement from the president expressing concern for those involved and assuring the public that the situation is being closely monitored.
“I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport,” President Trump said. “May God Bless their souls.”
“Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders,” said the president. “I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise.”
Vice President J.D. Vance posted a message to X offering prayers to everyone involved and offering reassurance that the incident is being monitored.
“Please say a prayer for everyone involved in the mid-air collision near Reagan airport this evening,” said Vice President Vance. “We’re monitoring the situation, but for now let’s hope for the best.”
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy wrote on X that he is currently monitoring the situation from FAA headquarters.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a post on X that the Department of Defense is “poised to assist if needed.”
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem wrote on X that all available US Coast Guard resources are being deployed in the search and rescue effort.
Both Kansas senators have posted about the situation on X, indicating that they are aware of the incident and are monitoring the situation closely.
“Tonight, we received devastating news of what can only be described as nothing short of a nightmare,” wrote Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS). “A plane, traveling to the Nation’s capital from Wichita, KS carrying roughly 60 passengers collided with a Military helicopter.”
“My prayer is that God wraps his arms around each and every victim and that he continues to be with their families,” Sen. Marshall said.
“There are no words that can make telling this story any easier. I ask the world to join me in praying for Kansas this evening, the first responders, rescue crews, and all those involved in this horrific accident,” he said. “I have been in contact with local and national authorities asking for answers and will continue to demand more information on how this unfolded.”
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly (D) also responded to the crash on X.
“I am aware that a plane inbound from Wichita was involved in a crash at Reagan National Airport. I am actively in contact with authorities,” Gov. Kelly wrote. “My thoughts go out to those involved. I will share more information as it becomes available.”
“Our prayers are with everyone involved, and we will continue to keep the public updated as more information becomes available,” D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser wrote on X.
The General Manager of Washington’s transit authority announced around 10:20pm that warming buses were sent to the site of the incident to support rescue efforts.
General President of the International Association of Fire Fighters Edward A. Kelly confirmed that search and rescue efforts are underway in the Potomac River and that dozens of firefighters are involved in dive operations.
“They’re doing everything they can to bring survivors to safety,” Kelly wrote on X. “Our prayers are with everyone affected.”
As of 6 a.m. Thursday, authorities have confirmed there are fatalities, over 30 bodies have been recovered and that no survivors have yet been found.
Updated as of 6:58 am. This is a developing story.
