Collision Sparks Massive Search for Survivors
A US passenger jet, carrying 64 individuals, crashed into the Potomac River on Wednesday evening after a mid-air collision with a military Black Hawk helicopter involved in a night training exercise. The incident occurred around 9:00 pm local time (0200 GMT) as the plane was nearing Reagan National Airport after a flight from Wichita, Kansas.
Details of the Collision
The aircraft, a Bombardier regional jet operated by PSA Airlines, a subsidiary of American Airlines, had 60 passengers and 4 crew members on board. The military helicopter was carrying three soldiers, with their status unknown following the crash.
Rescue Efforts Underway
A significant search and rescue operation commenced immediately, with divers working under harsh conditions in the cold, near-freezing waters of the Potomac. Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser committed to an ongoing effort to recover survivors or victims, while Fire Chief John Donnelly noted the operation’s challenges, describing the conditions as “extremely rough” with little optimism for finding survivors.
Witness Accounts and Reactions
Witness Ari Schulman described seeing a “stream of sparks” from the plane, likening the sight to a “Roman candle.” In response to the crash, President Donald Trump, after being briefed, offered condolences but later criticized air traffic control on social media, questioning why the collision occurred in clear conditions.
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Official Statements and Impact
American Airlines’ CEO expressed deep sorrow over the incident, and US Senator Roger Marshall from Kansas called it “nothing short of a nightmare.” The Federal Aviation Administration grounded all flights at Reagan National Airport, which was set to remain closed until at least 11:00 am (1600 GMT) the following day.
Historical Context and Air Traffic Concerns
The airspace in Washington, D.C., is notoriously busy, with both commercial and military traffic. This crash recalls the tragic Air Florida Flight 90 incident in 1982 at the same airport, where de-icing failures were cited as a cause. The most recent major US air disaster before this was in 2009 with Continental Flight 3407.
The incident raises questions about the effectiveness of modern collision-avoidance technology and air traffic management, especially over such a critical area as the nation’s capital.
