US Passenger Plane and Military Helicopter Collide Over Potomac River

A U.S. passenger jet carrying 64 people collided with a military helicopter during a nighttime training exercise, leading to the plane crashing into the Potomac River in Washington, DC. The accident occurred when the American Airlines regional aircraft broke apart after colliding with an Army Black Hawk helicopter, with the impact happening in shallow, near-freezing water approximately seven feet deep. Authorities have been working throughout the night to recover bodies and search for survivors.

Law enforcement, military spokespersons, and emergency responders have described the situation as severe, with at least 18 bodies recovered so far. The jet, identified as American Airlines Flight 5342, had 60 passengers and four crew members on board, and all operations at Reagan National Airport have been suspended as a precaution. Officials confirmed that the helicopter was operated by an Army unit from Fort Belvoir and was part of a training flight.

In response to the accident, top government figures, including the President and Defense Secretary, have been monitoring the situation closely, pledging support and assistance as needed. Local and federal agencies, including Maryland State Police and the FBI, are on the scene, with divers and firefighters actively engaged in search and recovery operations. Emergency management authorities have elevated their response levels and continue to investigate the incident, with no indication at this time that criminal activity or terrorism was involved.