- Emergency teams, including boats and helicopters, are at the scene
A passenger plane and a US Army helicopter have collided mid-air near Ronald Reagan National Airport, prompting a major emergency response and halting airport operations.
The FAA said the crash occurred around 21:00 local time on Wednesday. The aircraft involved were a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700, operating as an American Airlines flight, and a Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter. The plane carried 60 passengers and four crew, while the helicopter had three personnel on board.
Emergency teams, including boats and helicopters, are at the scene. Footage shared on social media appears to show the moment of impact, followed by an explosion. Officials have not confirmed casualty figures, though Senator Ted Cruz said there had been fatalities.
Reports suggest an air traffic controller had instructed the helicopter to pass behind the approaching plane moments before the collision.
US President Donald Trump said he had been “fully briefed” on the “terrible accident.” The FAA has announced that the airport will remain closed until at least 05:00 on Friday.
The National Transportation Safety Board and the Department of Defense have launched an investigation. If confirmed, this would be the first fatal US commercial airline incident since 2009.
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