Midair collision near D.C. involving American Airlines jet and Army helicopter leaves multiple fatalities; investigation ongoing.

A PSA Airlines CRJ700 jet with 60 passengers and 4 crew collided mid-air with a U.S. Army UH-60 BlackHawk near Reagan National Airport.

– Both aircraft crashed into the Potomac River. The jet is in pieces, and the helicopter is also submerged.

– 18 fatalities confirmed, no survivors rescued yet.

– All flights at Reagan halted as search and rescue continues.

– Trump: “Fully briefed on the terrible accident… should have been prevented.”

Authorities are investigating a midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport involving an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter.

The incident occurred around 9 p.m. on Wednesday. American Airlines Flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines, was about to land when it collided with a Sikorsky H-60 military helicopter.

There were 60 passengers and four crew members on the regional jet, and three people on the helicopter. Texas Senator Ted Cruz confirmed fatalities, though specific numbers are not yet available.

Search and rescue teams are currently at the crash site near the Potomac River, where freezing conditions are hindering efforts. The river’s temperature is complicating the situation, reminiscent of the 1982 Air Florida disaster.

A webcam appeared to capture a midair explosion, raising concerns about the severity of the collision. Emergency services have responded, and Reagan National Airport has been closed.

President Donald Trump has been briefed on the event and expressed condolences, thanking first responders and affirming that he is monitoring the situation.

This event occurs during a period when the Federal Aviation Administration lacks a permanent leader. Currently, Chris Rocheleau is running the agency on an interim basis.

American Airlines has established a hotline for inquiries regarding passengers on Flight 5342. The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to understand the cause of the collision. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.

Officials give update

At a 1 a.m. press conference, officials maintained that the operation was still a rescue effort, though Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall assumed fatalities.