According to the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA), a US Army helicopter and American Eagle Flight 5342 collided near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport around 21:00 local time. The plane carried 60 passengers and four crew members, while the helicopter had three soldiers on a training exercise.
Harrowing CCTV footage shows the moment of impact, with a fireball erupting before both aircraft plunged into the Potomac River. Officials have not confirmed casualties but are focusing on rescue efforts. “The challenge is access, there is wind, pieces of ice (on the water). It is dangerous and hard to work in,” said Washington DC Fire and Emergency Services Chief John Donnelly, as reported by BBC.
Hamaad Raza, whose wife was on Flight 5342, shared her final text: “‘Landing in 20 minutes’, the rest of my texts did not get delivered.” He added, “I’m just praying that someone is pulling her out of the river right now.”
American Airlines confirmed the accident, stating, “Our concern is for the passengers and crew… We are assisting with emergency response efforts.”
President Trump, newly sworn in, said he was monitoring the situation, calling it a “terrible accident” and thanking first responders. “May God bless their souls.”
