Arlington: A routine landing turned into a nightmare when an American Airlines passenger jet collided with a U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter while approaching Ronald Reagan National Airport late Wednesday night. The tragic incident, which unfolded over the Potomac River, has triggered a massive search-and-rescue operation, with authorities racing against time to locate survivors.
What We Know So Far:
The crash occurred around 9 p.m. EST in one of the most restricted airspaces in the world, just three miles from the White House.
The Bombardier CRJ-701 jet was arriving from Wichita, Kansas, when it suffered a rapid loss of altitude.
Air traffic control recordings reveal a crucial moment before impact, with a controller asking, “PAT25, do you have the CRJ in sight?”—seconds later, a fireball lit up the night sky.
President Donald Trump has been briefed, while Vice President JD Vance urged people to “say a prayer for everyone involved.”
Rescue Operations Underway:
Helicopters and rescue boats are scouring the icy Potomac River for any survivors.
All takeoffs and landings at Reagan National Airport have been halted indefinitely.
Investigators are working to determine what caused this unprecedented air disaster.
A Grim Reminder: This crash echoes the devastating Air Florida disaster of 1982, which claimed 78 lives in the same river.
Stay with The Pragathi News for real-time updates on this developing story.
