A tragic accident occurred last night when a US commercial airliner carrying 64 people collided with a military helicopter over Washington, DC. Both aircraft crashed into the Potomac River, leading to a large and challenging rescue operation. Here’s what we know so far.
What happened?
The collision took place just before 9 pm local time (2 am Irish time). A Bombardier jet, operated by PSA Airlines (a subsidiary of American Airlines), was approaching Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport when it hit a military Black Hawk helicopter. The plane was flying from Wichita, Kansas, while the helicopter was on a training mission, according to a military spokesperson.
Footage from the Kennedy Center, a cultural landmark in Washington, captured the moments before the crash. The bright lights of the descending plane and the dimmer lights of the helicopter were visible until the collision, which created a massive fireball. Both aircraft then fell into the Potomac River.
Local authorities confirmed the crashes, but details about casualties remain unclear. American Airlines reported that the plane had 60 passengers and four crew members on board. The helicopter carried three military personnel. Hours after the accident, officials had not released an official death toll, but US media reported that multiple bodies had been recovered from the river. CBS News mentioned “at least 18 bodies,” while NBC reported “more than a dozen.”
Several members of the US figure skating community were on the plane, including Russian champion skaters Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, who won the 1994 world pairs title. US Figure Skating released a statement expressing devastation over the tragedy and offering support to the victims’ families.
Rescue efforts and challenges
A massive and “extremely complex” search and rescue operation is underway. Over 300 rescue workers are involved, facing tough conditions. Washington Fire Chief John Donnelly described the scene as “pitch dark,” with cold, murky water making it dangerous for divers. Strong winds and icy conditions added to the difficulty.
From the riverbanks, AFP reporters observed numerous inflatable boats and flashing lights as rescue teams worked tirelessly. Helicopters equipped with powerful searchlights scanned the water, and the Coast Guard was called in to assist. Authorities warned that the operation could last several days due to the challenging environment.
Could this have been avoided?
US President Donald Trump commented on the collision, calling it a preventable tragedy. On social media, he questioned why the helicopter did not change its course to avoid the plane, especially since the night was clear and the plane’s lights were visible. He also criticized the control tower for not giving clear instructions to the helicopter. “This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented,” he wrote.
As the investigation continues, many are left wondering how such a tragic accident could have happened and what steps can be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. For now, the focus remains on the rescue efforts and supporting the families affected by this heartbreaking event.
