
(TheConservativeTimes.org) – In a catastrophic midair collision near Reagan National Airport, at least 67 people were killed when an American Airlines jet slammed into a military helicopter.
The devastating crash occurred overnight when American Eagle Flight No. 5342, operating on behalf of American Airlines, collided with a Black Hawk helicopter from the 12th Aviation Battalion at Fort Belvoir.
The passenger jet, carrying 60 civilians and 4 crew members, was approaching Reagan National Airport after departing from Wichita, Kansas.
The military helicopter, with three soldiers aboard, was on a routine training mission.
As of early this morning, at least 19 bodies had been recovered from the cold waters of the Potomac River, where three separate debris fields were identified.
Reports from authorities suggest that the chances of finding any survivors are virtually zero.
The challenging conditions, with water temperatures at a bone-chilling 36 degrees, have made rescue efforts difficult.
President Donald Trump quickly addressed the tragedy. “I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport. May God Bless their souls.”
Washington DC plane crash: 300 rescuers battle cold, darkness '8 feet deep' in Potomac river to recover victims#WashingtonPlaneCrash #PotomacRiver
READ: https://t.co/UuWmug0yn5https://t.co/UuWmug0yn5
— WION (@WIONews) January 30, 2025
“Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise,” the president stated, demonstrating his commitment to the American people during this heartbreaking event.
In turn, District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Chief John Donnelly declared, “It’s a highly complex operation, the conditions out there are extremely rough for the responders. It’s cold. They’re dealing with relatively windy conditions.”
This horrific incident marks the first major U.S. commercial air disaster in almost 16 years.
The last such tragedy took place in February 2009 when a Continental Airlines flight crashed.
The incident has sparked debate about the proximity of military training exercises to civilian air routes in the nation’s capital.
Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS) also addressed the tragedy: “Tonight, we received devastating news of what can only be described as nothing short of a nightmare…My prayer is that God wraps his arms around each and every victim, and that he continues to be with their families.”
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation, with support from the FBI.
As America awaits answers, many are calling for a thorough examination of air traffic control procedures.
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