- A tragic midair collision between an American Airlines plane and an army helicopter has left several feared dead after both aircraft crashed into the Potomac River near Washington, D.C
- Emergency crews are frantically searching for survivors as debris from the wreckage floats in the water, with flights at Ronald Reagan National Airport temporarily halted
- Authorities have launched an investigation into the disaster as the nation awaits heartbreaking updates on the fate of those onboard
A devastating midair collision between an American Airlines plane and an army helicopter has sent shockwaves across the nation, with several feared dead after both aircraft plunged into the Potomac River near Washington, D.C.
The tragic incident occurred at approximately 9:00 PM EST on Wednesday when American Airlines Flight 5342, a Bombardier CRJ700 jet en route from Wichita, Kansas, was approaching Ronald Reagan National Airport.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the aircraft collided with the helicopter just moments before its scheduled landing.
Eyewitnesses described a horrifying scene as fiery debris rained down, followed by a loud explosion upon impact with the water.
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Search and rescue teams have been deployed to the Potomac River, where emergency personnel from multiple agencies, including the Metropolitan Police Department, are racing against time to locate survivors.
Officials have yet to confirm the number of casualties, but fears are growing over the fate of those onboard.
Takeoffs and landings at Reagan National Airport have been suspended as authorities launch an extensive investigation into the cause of the crash.
The identity and mission of the helicopter remain unclear, but local police have confirmed that it did not belong to the department.
The FAA has assured the public that a full-scale inquiry is underway to determine how the catastrophic collision occurred.
This is a developing story.
