A tragic mid-air collision occurred on Wednesday night as an American Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, crashed into the Potomac River after colliding with a U.S. Army Black Hawk military helicopter near Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C.

According to officials, the crash took place at approximately 9:00 PM EST (02:00 GMT) as the American Airlines flight was approaching its designated runway. The aircraft, which had departed from Wichita, Kansas, was in its final descent when it struck the military helicopter.

Emergency Response Underway

Following the impact, the jet split into two upon crashing into the river, and rescue efforts are now underway. Emergency responders, including boats and divers, have been deployed to search for survivors in the icy waters of the Potomac River.

Reports from U.S. media outlets indicate that multiple passengers may still be trapped inside the wreckage. It remains unclear how many people have been rescued so far. Fire and rescue teams, along with local law enforcement and federal authorities, are leading the search and recovery operation.

Military Involvement and Collision Details

A U.S. defense official confirmed that the Black Hawk helicopter, which had three U.S. Army soldiers on board, had taken off from Fort Belvoir, Virginia, just minutes before the collision. Investigators are now working to determine the cause of the incident and whether any distress signals were issued before impact.

Eyewitnesses near the airport reported seeing a fireball in the sky before the aircraft crashed into the river. One witness described the scene as “terrifying,” saying the plane appeared to lose control after the collision.

Federal Investigation and Government Response

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced an official investigation into the accident. Authorities are examining potential factors, including possible air traffic control miscommunication, aircraft proximity violations, and mechanical failures.

In response to the tragedy, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a statement saying he had been “fully briefed on the terrible accident” and expressed his gratitude to emergency responders.

“Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise,” the President stated.

Airport Operations Suspended

As a precaution, all takeoffs and landings at Ronald Reagan National Airport have been temporarily halted to allow emergency personnel to manage the crisis. The airport confirmed the suspension of operations in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), urging travelers to check with their airlines for further updates.

Ongoing Search and Investigation

As rescue efforts continue, families of passengers and crew members aboard the flight are anxiously awaiting updates. Authorities are expected to hold a press briefing soon to provide additional details on casualties, survivors, and the ongoing investigation.

This tragic event raises significant concerns about airspace safety near one of the busiest airports in the country, and officials will likely reassess flight regulations for both civilian and military aircraft in the region.

Further details will emerge as the FAA, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and U.S. military authorities continue their investigations into what led to this devastating collision.