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18 Bodies Recovered After Mid-Air Collision Near White House

A tragic mid-air collision between a passenger jet and a US Army helicopter near Washington’s Reagan National Airport has resulted in multiple casualties and a massive emergency response.

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18 Bodies Recovered After Mid-Air Collision Near White House

At least 18 bodies have been recovered from the Potomac River following a devastating mid-air collision between an American Airlines regional jet and a military helicopter near Washington’s Reagan National Airport. The crash, which occurred just five kilometers from the White House, took place around 9 p.m. local time on Wednesday.

Fireball in the Sky as Mid-Air Collision

The night sky lit up like a massive firework as the two aircraft crashed into the Potomac River. Chilling visuals of the incident have surfaced on social media, showing the fiery descent of both the plane and the helicopter.

The American Eagle Flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines, was flying from Wichita, Kansas, to Washington, D.C., with 60 passengers and four crew members. The Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter had three soldiers on board, though officials confirmed no senior personnel were among them.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said the jet collided with the helicopter while on its final approach to Reagan National Airport.

Emergency Response and Rescue Efforts

Following the crash, emergency services swung into action. Multiple agencies, including fireboats and dozens of fire trucks, rushed to the scene, facing challenges due to freezing temperatures and darkness. The FAA immediately grounded all flights at Reagan National Airport as rescue efforts intensified.

Local law enforcement and first responders worked through the night, retrieving bodies from the river while continuing the search for survivors. Reports suggest the death toll could rise as recovery operations progress.

American Airlines has set up a toll-free helpline for concerned family members. Those in the United States can dial 800-679-8215 for information. International callers are directed to visit news.aa.com for contact details. Individuals in Canada, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands can also use the provided helpline.

Investigation Underway

The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have an ongoing investigation. They will do a review of air traffic recordings, aircraft wreckage, and how the operations process occurred to finally identify the actual causes of that tragic incident.

Authorities will continue rescue efforts and actively investigate the crash, providing further updates in the coming days. Meanwhile, travelers should check with airlines for possible flight disruptions at Reagan National Airport.