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Mid-Air Collision Near Reagan National Airport: 18 Bodies Recovered from Potomac River

TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

A tragic mid-air collision involving an American Airlines regional passenger jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday, Jan. 29, has left at least 18 people dead, according to authorities.

The incident involved American Eagle Flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines, which was en route from Wichita, Kansas (ICT) to Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA) when it collided with the helicopter near the airport. Officials have yet to confirm the total number of casualties, but emergency response teams are actively conducting search and rescue operations in the Potomac River.

Emergency Response and Investigations Underway

American Airlines acknowledged the incident in a statement on X, confirming that the FAA and NTSB will lead the investigation.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore announced that emergency units, including the Maryland State Police and Maryland Department of Natural Resources, were deployed to assist in the rescue efforts. "We are engaged in response, and our emergency teams are working tirelessly," Moore wrote on X.

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly also expressed her concern, stating she was in contact with authorities and would provide updates as available.

At a press briefing, Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser refrained from confirming casualty figures but assured the public that recovery efforts were ongoing. "We are focusing on search and rescue and will share more information as soon as possible," Bowser said.

Federal Response and Official Reactions

President Donald Trump issued a statement expressing his condolences: "May God bless their souls. Thank you to our incredible first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise."

Vice President J.D. Vance also called for prayers for those affected, writing on X: "Please say a prayer for everyone involved in the mid-air collision near Reagan airport this evening."

The Collision and Ongoing Search Efforts

According to the FAA, the crash occurred around 9 p.m. local time as the aircraft were approaching Runway 33. The PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 had 60 passengers and four crew members on board, while the Army Black Hawk helicopter carried three crew members.

Search and recovery teams have reportedly located three debris fields in the Potomac River. CBS News cited a police official at the scene confirming that at least 18 bodies had been recovered as of 11:30 p.m. ET. However, the Metropolitan Police Department has yet to release an official casualty count, stating that operations are still in progress.

DC Fire and EMS have deployed fireboats to assist in the rescue efforts, and multiple agencies are coordinating the response. According to NBC 4, four individuals have been pulled from the river and transported to a local hospital. Their conditions remain unknown.

As investigations continue, authorities urge the public to await official updates from the FAA and NTSB. The cause of the mid-air collision remains under investigation.

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