Horrifying footage shows the shocking moment a small American Airlines plane exploded mid-flight near Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington DC on Wednesday evening.
The American Airlines aircraft, thought to be carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, crashed into the Potomac River in the nation’s capital just after 9pm local time, following a collision with a US army Blackhawk helicopter, reports the Mirror.
Shortly afterwards, fire boats were seen speeding to the scene, joined by vehicles carrying first responders and investigators from various agencies, including the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Amid the rescue operation, the Federal Aviation Administration halted all takeoffs and landings at the domestic airport, with the grounding order remaining in place until at least 10.30pm.
It is believed there could be 70 fatalities, with 18 bodies recovered so far.
The chilling video, captured by an observation camera near the Kennedy Center, shows two sets of lights, consistent with two aircraft, merging into a massive fireball in the sky before both plummet to the ground – or, in the case of the plane, into the Potomac, reports the Mirror US. It was later confirmed that a Blackhawk military helicopter carrying three soldiers – whose conditions are currently unknown – collided with a regional jet operated by American Airlines en route to Washington from Wichita, Kansas.
The commercial flight had been preparing to land at Reagan National Airport. Amid the unfolding crisis, authorities fear numerous fatalities from the devastating collision.
Initially, the airport announced on social media that the terminal was operational while emergency services dealt with an “aircraft incident on the airfield.”
For live updates on the crash, follow our blog. American Airlines later confirmed the event, statin: “We’re aware of reports that American Eagle flight 5342, operated by PSA, with service from Wichita, Kansas (ICT) to Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA) has been involved in an incident. We will provide information as it becomes available.”
After being briefed, President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance are keeping a close eye on the unfolding situation, as White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News. Vance took to social media to request prayers, posting: “Please say a prayer for everyone involved in the mid-air collision near Reagan airport this evening. We’re monitoring the situation, but for now let’s hope for the best.”
Following the incident, several flights have been redirected to Washington-Baltimore International Airport. A Washington Post journalist reported their flight was among those diverted.
NBC News has disclosed that four individuals were rescued from the water, though their conditions are currently unknown. Concerns remain that more people may be trapped inside the aircraft’s cabin.
Emergency services are actively working to ascertain the precise cause and impact of the crash. They have indicated that they expect a significant number of fatalities from the disaster.
The airport initially took to social media and announced that the terminal remained open while authorities dealt with “an aircraft incident on the airfield.”
American Airlines later released a statement saying: “We’re aware of reports that American Eagle flight 5342, operated by PSA, with service from Wichita, Kansas (ICT) to Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA) has been involved in an incident. We will provide information as it becomes available.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt informed Fox News that President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance had been briefed on the situation and were keeping a close eye on developments.
Vance swiftly turned to social media to call for support, posting: “Please say a prayer for everyone involved in the mid-air collision near Reagan airport this evening. We’re monitoring the situation, but for now let’s hope for the best.”
Reports have emerged that some flights were rerouted to Washington-Baltimore International Airport. Newly appointed Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy took to social media to declare that he was “at the FAA HQ and closely monitoring the situation.”
The tension escalated just before the aircraft was due to land, with AP reporting that air traffic controllers questioned whether the incoming commercial jet could handle a landing on the shorter Runway 33 at the airport. The pilots confirmed they could manage, leading controllers to authorize the landing, and the plane began its descent shortly thereafter.
In a heartbreaking twist, the crash took place just moments after. Responding to the dreadful incident, Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser extended her thoughts by saying her prayers “are with everyone involved” and promised that her office would “continue to keep the public updated as more information becomes available.”
More details surfaced when a defence official told AP that the helicopter had come from Fort Belvoir in Virginia. CNN contributed further details via another defence official, noting that there were no VIPs on board the doomed chopper.
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