American Airlines Flight 5342 collided with an Army helicopter while landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, prompting a search-and-rescue operation in the Potomac River. The Kremlin confirmed that Russian figure skaters and other nationals were on the plane, with multiple fatalities reported. Rescuers are searching the frigid river for survivors. The global skating community expressed shock at the tragedy. The U.S. Army helicopter involved was on a training flight, and the last fatal U.S. commercial airline crash was in 2009. President Donald Trump expressed condolences and monitored the situation, questioning the actions of the military helicopter and air traffic controllers.
Reagan National Airport was closed, causing flight delays and cancellations. Passengers on the jet included figure skaters returning from a camp after a competition. The search for survivors is ongoing, with about 300 responders involved. The aircraft was a Bombardier CRJ-701 carrying 60 passengers and 4 crew members. The air traffic controller’s warnings to the helicopter went unanswered moments before the collision.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem vowed full Coast Guard support for the rescue efforts. The crash has left a somber mood at the airport, with emergency vehicles responding. The water temperature is just above freezing, making conditions tough for responders. Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser and Fire and EMS Chief John A. Donnelly said the situation is still being assessed, with no information on survivors.
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