A regional passenger aircraft from Kansas plunged into the frigid waters of the Potomac River in Washington after colliding mid-air with a military helicopter close to Reagan National Airport on Wednesday, according to officials.
This incident triggered a significant emergency response and led to the suspension of all flights in the area.
Details regarding casualties or the number of individuals on board the plane were not immediately available.
The aircraft, a Bombardier regional jet, has a capacity of approximately 78 passengers. Kansas Senator Roger Marshall mentioned on X that the jet was “carrying roughly 60 passengers,” though the source of this information remains unclear.
A U.S. Army representative confirmed that the helicopter involved was a Black Hawk, with three soldiers on board as crew members; their condition is currently unknown.
The Washington Post reported, citing unnamed sources, that police had begun recovering multiple bodies from the Potomac.
Witness Ari Schulman recounted seeing “a stream of sparks” and what resembled a large firework as the collision occurred overhead while he was driving home.
“At first, I saw the plane, and it appeared normal, just about to cross over land,” he told CNN. “Then, just three seconds later, it was tilted sharply to the right… I could see the bright yellow underside, and there was a stream of sparks beneath it. It looked like a Roman candle.”
President Donald Trump stated he had been “fully briefed” on the situation and offered condolences for any victims, saying, “may God bless their souls.”
