Washington D.C. Flight 5342 crash: 27 bodies recovered as passenger plane collides with army chopper

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Washington D.C. Flight 5342 crash: 27 bodies recovered as passenger plane collides with army Black Hawk chopper

Washington, D.C., January 30, 2025:

Washington D.C. Flight 5342 crash: 27 bodies recovered as passenger plane collides with army chopper

Washington D.C. Flight 5342 crash: A regional passenger plane and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter have collided in mid-air near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport; several people have died in the accident. Rescue operations are underway as authorities make extra efforts to recover as many bodies as possible from the wreckage.

According to reports, American Airlines Flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines, had taken off from Wichita on its way to Washington D.C. when it collided with a military helicopter. The FAA confirmed the accident, saying that the passenger plane had over 60 passengers and four crew members on board.

At least 18 bodies have been recovered so far from the Potomac River, where the wreckage of the plane was found. Officials fear that the death toll could rise as search and rescue teams, which include personnel from the US Park Police, the DC Metropolitan Police Department and the US Army, continue their efforts.

A US Army spokesperson has confirmed that three Army soldiers were on board the Black Hawk helicopter, though their condition is unknown. Meanwhile, officials have not reported any survivors from the crash.

Texas Senator Ted Cruz acknowledged the severity of the accident, saying, “While we do not yet know how many people on board the plane have been killed, we do know that there have been fatalities. Please join Heidi and me in praying for everyone involved during the search and rescue operation.” He also confirmed that he would receive a briefing from the FAA about the incident.

The White House has also confirmed that the aircraft involved was a commercial airliner that collided with a military helicopter while on approach to Ronald Reagan National Airport. A joint investigation is underway by aviation authorities and the military to determine the cause of the collision.

A video clip capturing the moment of the collision has surfaced online, showing a massive explosion in the air before the debris falls into the river. Authorities have urged people to stay away from the crash site and let emergency responders conduct rescue operations.

The local police confirmed the ongoing response efforts via social media, saying, “MPD is responding to an apparent air crash in the Potomac River. Multiple agencies are responding. Details to come.”

As the situation continues to unfold, the nation is weeping over such a tragic and unprecedented loss of life. It is expected that further updates by the FAA and NTSB will reveal more details as it investigates the cause of the crash and seeks ways to prevent such an event in the future.