A PSA Airlines passenger jet and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter collided midair while the jet was approaching Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport late Wednesday.
PSA Airlines Flight 5342, operating under American Eagle and American Airlines, was en route from Wichita, Kansas, when it crashed into the river following the collision, the Federal Aviation Administration FAA stated.
According to airline sources, the regional jet with a capacity of 65 passengers, had 60 people onboard at the time.
Flight operations at the airport were halted immediately as emergency teams rushed to the scene. Various agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard, local fire departments and airport authorities, launched a rescue operation to recover passengers from the wreckage.
Authorities Confirm Casualties
Authorities have confirmed casualties, though the exact number is yet to be determined. However, it has been confirmed that at least four individuals were rescued from the water; their conditions remain undisclosed. A U.S. Army spokesperson verified that one of its helicopters was part of the collision, carrying three soldiers, however, their status remains uncertain. Senator Ted Cuz acknowledged the fatalities in a social media post without specifying the number of victims.
FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have started an investigation into the incident. Officials will review air traffic control recordings and radar data to probe the cause of the mid-air collision.
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“We are aware of reports that American Eagle Flight 5342, operated by PSA, with service from Wichita, Kansas, to Washington Reagan National Airport, has been involved in an incident. We will provide updates as more information becomes available,” American Airlines said in a statement.
This collision has raised concerns about air safety in the U.S., especially in light of near-miss incidents in recent years. The last passenger plane incident in the country took place in February 2009.
Meanwhile, rescue teams continue their efforts in the Potomac River as authorities work to verify the fatalities count and the details surrounding the crash.
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