Helicopters and other emergency services are searching the Potomac for survivors (Image: Getty Images)
Horrifying footage has emerged showing the moment a small American Airlines plane exploded mid-flight near Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington DC on Wednesday evening. The small American Airlines aircraft, believed to be carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, plunged into the Potomac River in the nation’s capital just after 9pm local time, following
Shortly after, fireboats were seen rushing to the scene, accompanied by vehicles carrying first responders and investigators from various agencies, including the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Amidst the rescue operation, the Federal Aviation Administration suspended all takeoffs and landings at the
The chilling video, captured by an observation camera near the Kennedy Center, shows two sets of lights, consistent with two merging into a massive fireball in the sky before both plummet to the ground – or, in the case of the plane, into the Potomac.
It was later confirmed that a Blackhawk helicopter carrying three soldiers – whose conditions are currently unknown – collided with the regional jet operated by American Airlines en route to Washington from Wichita, Kansas.
You can view the video here:
Webcam at the Kennedy Center caught an explosion mid-air across the Potomac.
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Officials are fearing mass casualties following the horrific plane crash, with current search efforts recovering up to 19 bodies, but no survivors. In the immediate aftermath, the airport informed via a social media platform that while the terminal remained operational, emergency services were tackling an “aircraft incident on the airfield.”
American Airlines later confirmed the grim situation in a statement, saying: “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. We will provide information as it becomes available.”
President and Vice President JD Vance being briefed on the disaster, as White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News. Taking to social media, Vance called for solidarity stating: “Please say a prayer for everyone involved in the mid-air collision near Reagan airport this evening.
“We’re monitoring the situation, but for now let’s hope for the best.”
With recovery efforts at the airport now focusing on the stricken aircraft in the Potomac River, several flights have been diverted to Washington-Baltimore International Airport.
Emergency teams are working to uncover the full extent and cause of the devastating crash, bracing themselves for a high fatality count.
American Airlines issued a formal comment: “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. We will provide information as it becomes available.”
Emergency responders flooded the scene in the moments after the crash (Image: AP)
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed to Fox News the president and vice-president are closely following developments.
Vice President J.D. Vance took to Twitter urging for thoughts in this critical time: “Please say a prayer for everyone involved in the mid-air collision near Reagan airport this evening. We’re monitoring the situation, but for now let’s hope for the best.”
Reports claim certain flights have been rerouted to Washington-Baltimore International Airport. The newly-appointed Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has been actively engaged, taking to social media to confirm his oversight at FAA HQ saying, “I’m at the FAA HQ and closely monitoring the situation.”
The incident occurred just before landing, when air traffic controllers asked the pilots of the incoming commercial flight if they could land on the shorter Runway 33 at the airport, according to AP. The pilots confirmed they could, and controllers gave the go-ahead for landing, with the plane beginning its descent shortly after.
However, the crash happened just moments later. In response to the incident, Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser said her prayers “are with everyone involved” and promised to “continue to keep the public updated as more information becomes available.”
A defense official told AP that the helicopter had taken off from Fort Belvoir in Virginia, and another defense official told CNN that there were no VIPs on board the helicopter that crashed.