Washington DC Plane Crash LIVE Updates: Fire Chief States ‘No Survivors’ As Recovery Efforts Continue
A commercial aircraft crashed into the Potomac River near Washington, D.C., following a mid-air collision with a helicopter while approaching Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The exact number of passengers on board remains unknown.
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According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), American Airlines Flight 5342 collided with a Black Hawk helicopter near the airport. Footage of the incident captures the moment of impact, showing a bright flash of fire as the two aircraft collided.
The crash occurred on Wednesday evening, as confirmed by Washington, D.C. Fire Services. Following the incident, all flights at the airport were temporarily halted while emergency teams responded.
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According to Emergency Officials, there were 64 Passengers and 4 Crew Members onboard the Canadair Regional Jet CRJ-700 operating as PSA Airlines Flight 5342, when it crashed earlier at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport near D.C. The Passengers who were possibly onboard the “Black Hawk” are still Unknown.
The District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department reported that the aircraft crashed into the river shortly after 9 PM. Fire department rescue boats were dispatched to the scene to assist with recovery efforts.
Reports are suggesting that the Aircraft involved in the Crash at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, is PSA Airlines Flight 5342, a Canadair Regional Jet CRJ-700 operated by PSA, a Regional Airline operated by American.
The Flight was landing at the Airport, after flying from Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport in Wichita, Kansas. Up to 60 Passengers are said to have been onboard the Aircraft.
Jan 30, 2025 19:06 IST
Washington DC Plane Crash: Fire Chief States 'No Survivors' as Recovery Efforts Continue
As the aftermath of the tragic mid-air collision over the Potomac River unfolds, DC Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly confirmed that there are no survivors expected from the crash. The collision, which involved an American Airlines passenger jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, has led to a shift in operations from rescue to recovery.
"We are now at a point where we’re switching from a rescue operation to a recovery operation. At this point, we don’t believe there are any survivors from this accident," Donnelly stated during a news conference on Thursday morning.
Officials have confirmed that the bodies of all those who perished in the collision will be recovered. A total of 67 people are believed to have lost their lives—64 passengers aboard the American Airlines jet and three individuals on the military helicopter. As of Thursday morning, 28 bodies had already been retrieved, with recovery operations ongoing.
Jan 30, 2025 18:38 IST
Investigation Focuses on Black Hawk Helicopter's Location and Altitude in DC Plane Crash
The investigation into the tragic mid-air collision between an American Airlines jet and an Army Black Hawk helicopter near Washington D.C. has now turned its attention to the helicopter's flight path. Sources told CBS News that investigators are particularly concerned with understanding why the military helicopter was flying at its location and altitude at the time of the collision.
This aspect of the investigation remains a critical area of focus as authorities try to determine the cause of the crash, which resulted in the devastating loss of life.
Jan 30, 2025 18:19 IST
Transportation Secretary Confirms Both Aircraft in DC Plane Crash Were in 'Standard Flight Patterns'
In a press briefing on Thursday morning, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy clarified that both the American Airlines flight and the Black Hawk helicopter involved in the crash were following standard flight patterns. He explained that the night was clear, and it was not unusual for military helicopters to be flying along the river while other planes were approaching Washington D.C.'s Reagan National Airport (DCA).
Duffy emphasized that the American Airlines flight, which was nearing its landing, was also on a standard flight path, which is common for planes arriving at DCA. The clarification from Duffy aimed to reassure the public that both aircraft were operating within established guidelines before the tragic event unfolded.
Jan 30, 2025 17:59 IST
Fire Chief Confirms 28 Dead in Devastating DC Plane Crash, Recovery Efforts Underway
The fire chief has confirmed that all individuals aboard the American Airlines jet that collided with the Army Black Hawk helicopter are feared dead, as recovery efforts continue. According to the Associated Press, authorities have so far retrieved the bodies of 27 passengers from the American Airlines flight and one person from the Black Hawk helicopter.
The tragic incident, which claimed the lives of at least 28 individuals, is one of the most devastating air accidents in recent memory. As recovery operations continue, families await news of the victims, while the authorities work to piece together the details of the crash.
Jan 30, 2025 17:45 IST
30 Bodies Recovered from Potomac River Crash Scene
The devastating collision between an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter has resulted in a rising death toll.
According to CBS News, as of 6:45 a.m. ET, emergency teams have recovered 30 bodies from the Potomac River crash site. The tragic incident occurred when the jet plunged into the river following the mid-air collision.
Authorities continue their search and recovery efforts while investigating the cause of the fatal crash. More updates are expected as officials provide further details.
Jan 30, 2025 17:24 IST
Kremlin Mourns Loss of Russian Citizens in American Airlines Tragedy
The Kremlin has extended its condolences to the families of Russian citizens who perished in the devastating collision between an American Airlines regional jet and a Black Hawk helicopter.
The tragic incident involved a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 jetliner, which crashed in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night. Among the victims were renowned Russian-born ice skating coaches and former world champions Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, whose deaths have deeply shaken the global figure skating community.
"There were other of our fellow citizens on board. It's bad news today from Washington. We are sorry and send our condolences to families and friends," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated, as reported by Reuters.
Russia’s figure skating federation also expressed its sympathies to the victims’ families but declined to provide additional comments on the tragic event.
The crash, which has left the international skating community in shock, continues to be investigated as authorities work to determine the exact cause of the mid-air collision.
Jan 30, 2025 17:02 IST
American Airlines-Black Hawk Crash: ISU Shocked as 19 Bodies Recovered
The International Skating Union (ISU) has expressed deep sorrow and shock over the devastating collision between an American Airlines regional jet and a Black Hawk helicopter in Washington, D.C. The tragic accident, involving a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 aircraft, resulted in the deaths of multiple passengers, including figure skaters from the U.S. and Russia.
According to CBS News, authorities have so far recovered 19 bodies from the wreckage. No survivors have been found, leaving the global skating community in mourning.
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), the ISU conveyed its grief:
"The International Skating Union (ISU) and the global skating community are deeply shocked by the tragic accident involving an American Airlines flight in Washington, D.C. last night. We are heartbroken to learn that figure skaters, along with their families, friends, and coaches, are understood to be among those on board."
The union emphasized the close-knit nature of the figure skating world and extended support to U.S. Figure Skating during this tragic time.
Rescue teams continue efforts at the crash site, but with no survivors found yet, the disaster remains a heartbreaking moment for both the aviation and sports communities.
Jan 30, 2025 15:36 IST
Two Russian Figure Skating Champions Aboard Crashed Plane, Reports Say
Russian state media outlets have reported that two prominent figure skating champions, Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, were aboard the American Airlines plane that crashed. According to TASS and RIA Novosti, the information was shared by an unnamed source.
Shishkova, 52, and Naumov, 55, were the 1994 World Champions in pairs figure skating and had been working as coaches for Russia's national team.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Russian nationals were onboard the plane, though he did not specifically mention the pair. “Bad news from Washington today,” Peskov told reporters during his daily briefing. “We grieve and console with the families and friends who lost those of our fellow citizens who died in this plane crash." He added, "Sad news is being confirmed."
Jan 30, 2025 15:26 IST
Former NTSB Investigator Discusses Challenges of Reagan National Airport Airspace
Alan Diehl, a former NTSB investigator who was involved in a crash investigation in the area in 1982, has spoken about the challenges pilots face while flying in the restricted airspace around Reagan National Airport.
In an interview with NBC's "Early Today," Diehl described the airspace as "very tight," due to the presence of several notable monuments. "You really have to be on your game," he remarked, emphasizing the well-trained pilots and air traffic controllers who are highly aware of the stringent restrictions in the area.
Diehl also pointed out that flying at night presents additional difficulties, with numerous lights—both on the ground and at the airport—making the already complex airspace even more challenging. "Very limited room for error," he concluded.
Jan 30, 2025 15:08 IST
Trudeau Expresses Concern Over Reagan National Airport Crash
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has expressed deep concern over the crash involving a Canadian-built CRJ700 aircraft at Reagan National Airport.
In a post on X, Trudeau stated, "We’re all extremely concerned about the accident at Reagan National Airport." He added, "As we wait for more details, my thoughts are with those on board, their loved ones, and the first responders right now."
Jan 30, 2025 14:18 IST
At Least 12 Bodies Recovered from River Following Crash: Reports
Emergency crews have retrieved over a dozen bodies from the Potomac River following the crash, with the count nearing 20 fatalities, according to two sources familiar with the rescue operations.
Jan 30, 2025 14:03 IST
Washington Mayor Offers Prayers for Crash Victims' Families, Announces News Conference
Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser extended "love and prayers" to the families and loved ones affected by last night's tragic plane crash over the Potomac River.
In a post on X, Bowser confirmed that the next news conference, led by the multi-agency unified response team, is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. ET today.
Jan 30, 2025 14:03 IST
Rescue Efforts Challenged by Freezing Temperatures
Rescuers are battling freezing conditions as they continue searching the Potomac River for survivors. According to the National Weather Service, temperatures at Reagan National Airport currently stand at 45 degrees.
Conditions are expected to worsen, with temperatures potentially dropping to 32 degrees, accompanied by winds of up to 6 mph. While Thursday will bring sunshine, temperatures will only reach a high of 51 degrees with light afternoon winds.
Rain is forecast for late tomorrow night, with gusts reaching up to 18 mph, adding further challenges to the ongoing rescue operations.
Jan 30, 2025 13:48 IST
U.S. Figure Skating Confirms Community Members Were Aboard Crashed Plane
U.S. Figure Skating announced that "several members of our skating community" were aboard the regional jet involved in a midair collision with a helicopter near Washington, D.C.In a statement, the organization revealed that the passengers included athletes, coaches, and family members returning from the National Development Camp, which coincided with the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas.
"We are heartbroken by this unimaginable tragedy and extend our deepest sympathies to the victims' families," the statement read. "We will continue to monitor the situation and share updates as more information becomes available."
Jan 30, 2025 12:22 IST
Search-and-Rescue Teams Recover Bodies Following Fatal Collision in Potomac River
Search-and-rescue teams have recovered the bodies of those who died in the crash, according to two sources close to the recovery operation. The number of casualties has not been officially confirmed.
American Airlines stated that American Eagle Flight 5342, en route from Wichita, Kansas, was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members. The Black Hawk helicopter involved in the collision had three people onboard, according to Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser.
Bowser expressed the sorrow of the city's 700,000 residents, saying, "Certainly I speak for the people of Washington, who are extremely sorry for the families who are experiencing loss tonight," during an early Thursday news conference.
The crash occurred when the two aircraft collided midair near Reagan Washington National Airport and fell into the Potomac River. Dark and icy conditions have been complicating the search-and-rescue efforts.
Jan 30, 2025 11:27 IST
Pete Hegseth Announces Pentagon and Army Investigation into Crash
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared on X that both the Pentagon and the Army have initiated an investigation into the crash.
Hegseth stated that the inquiry was “launched immediately.”
"Absolutely tragic. Search and rescue efforts are still underway. Prayers for all those affected and their families," he added.
Jan 30, 2025 11:19 IST
Trump Calls Crash 'Terrible Night,' Says It Should Have Been Prevented
In a post on TruthSocial, former President Donald Trump described the crash as a "terrible night" and insisted the incident "should have been prevented."
"The airplane was on a perfect, routine approach to the airport. The helicopter was heading directly towards the plane for a prolonged period. It was a clear night, with the plane's lights shining brightly. Why didn’t the helicopter move up or down, or turn? Why didn’t the control tower direct the helicopter, instead of just asking if they saw the plane? This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been avoided. not good!!!" Trump stated.
The National Transportation Safety Board confirmed that it has deployed a team to investigate the crash, though the cause has yet to be determined.
Trump later followed up with another post, expressing, "What a terrible night this has been. God bless you all!"
Jan 30, 2025 11:01 IST
American Airlines CEO expresses condolences for crash victims and their families
American Airlines CEO Robert Isom expressed his heartfelt "sorrow" for the victims and their families following the crash, as he prepared to travel to Washington, D.C.
"First and foremost, I want to express our deepest condolences regarding these events," Isom stated in a video message about the crash. "This is an incredibly difficult day for everyone at American Airlines, and our focus right now is entirely on supporting our passengers, crew, partners, first responders, and their families."
Isom emphasized that the airline is working closely with local, state, and federal authorities in the emergency response, with a "go team" heading to Washington, D.C., and is fully cooperating with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
He also mentioned that loved ones of those on the flight can contact a dedicated help line at 1-800-679-8215.
"Our commitment to full cooperation is unwavering, and we are determined to understand all the details of today’s tragic events," Isom said. "While this process will take time, we are doing everything we can right now, which means focusing on the care of all passengers, crew members, and their families."
Jan 30, 2025 11:00 IST
Commercial Yachts Are Visible assisting in the Potomac Crash Scene
Commercial CityCruise yachts are visible from the Washington Sailing Marina dock, seemingly involved in the search-and-rescue operations in the Potomac River.
Jan 30, 2025 10:49 IST
American Airlines Plane Crash Update: 18 Bodies Found in Potomac River After Collision, Reuters Reports via CBS News
American Airlines Plane Crash Update: 18 Bodies Found in Potomac River After Collision, Reuters Reports via CBS News
Jan 30, 2025 10:41 IST
Law enforcement reports American Airlines plane split into two parts after crash
Sources informed Washington officials that the regional plane involved in the midair collision near Reagan Airport split into two sections.
“It’s in about seven feet of water, with divers currently on site. The helicopter is upside down in the water, and the situation remains highly unstable,” senior correspondent Tom Costello reported during a special broadcast.
Jan 30, 2025 10:26 IST
Military Official Confirms Helicopter Involved in Reagan Airport Crash Was on Training Flight
A military official confirmed to NBC News that the helicopter involved in tonight’s crash near Reagan Airport was conducting a training flight at the time of the incident.
The official stated, “The aircraft involved in tonight’s event was an Army UH-60 helicopter from Bravo Company, 12th Aviation Battalion, based at Davison Army Airfield, Fort Belvoir.” The military is collaborating with local authorities and will provide additional information as it becomes available.
Jan 30, 2025 10:22 IST
FAA Announces Reagan National Airport Closure Until At Least 5 a.m.
Reagan Washington National Airport will remain closed until at least 5 a.m., according to the FAA's official website.
Jan 30, 2025 10:20 IST
Reagan Airport’s Main Runway Is ‘Busiest in America,’ Says Airport Authority President
Reagan Airport’s primary runway handles 90% of the airport’s flights and has earned the title of “the busiest runway in America,” with more than 800 daily takeoffs and landings, according to the local airport authority.
In 2023, the president of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, while opposing proposals for additional flights, noted that the airport operates at full capacity.
The authority explained that Reagan Airport has a restricted corridor for takeoffs and landings, with pilots consistently rating the airport as one of the nation’s most challenging due to the tight spacing required for safety.
Jan 30, 2025 09:57 IST
The FBI announced tonight that it is assisting local agencies with the response.
“The FBI Washington Field Office’s National Capital Response Squad is on the scene of an aviation incident at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, supporting our law enforcement and public safety partners,” the Washington field office said in a statement.
Jan 30, 2025 09:51 IST
US Vice President JD Vance Calls for Prayers and Hope After Reagan Airport Mid-Air Collision
Please join me in praying for everyone involved in the mid-air collision near Reagan Airport this evening. We are closely monitoring the situation, but for now, let’s remain hopeful for the best. #PrayersForTheSurvivors" – JD Vance, Vice President of the United States
Jan 30, 2025 09:48 IST
American Airlines Confirms 64 Passengers and Crew Aboard Plane in Reagan Airport Collision
American Airlines confirmed that there were 60 passengers and four crew members aboard the plane involved in the mid-air collision near Reagan Airport. The airline expressed its concern for those on board, stating that they are in contact with authorities and assisting with emergency response efforts. The incident occurred around 9 p.m. when American Eagle Flight 5342 was approaching the Washington, D.C., area airport and collided with a helicopter.
Jan 30, 2025 09:45 IST
Tammy Duckworth Highlights Black Hawk’s Superior Visibility, Expresses Hope for More Survivors
Senator Tammy Duckworth, a former Black Hawk pilot and Army veteran, discussed the helicopter's visibility in an interview on MSNBC's The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell. She explained that while the Black Hawk doesn’t have an alert system like commercial airliners, it offers superior visibility, with windows above, below, and to the sides providing near-panoramic views. "You can actually have pretty good visibility, so it's quite surprising that this could happen," Duckworth said. However, she emphasized that it's too early to draw conclusions and noted that the airspace is extremely busy. Duckworth also expressed hope, saying, “We’re praying... that there are more survivors.
Jan 30, 2025 09:43 IST
Firefighters Union Head: Dive Teams Doing Everything to Rescue Survivors
The president of the International Association of Fire Fighters union expressed his thoughts and prayers for everyone involved, adding that firefighter dive teams are doing everything in their power to locate survivors.
Jan 30, 2025 09:33 IST
Trump Offers Condolences, Thanks First Responders After Reagen Airport Crash
In a statement issued tonight, President Donald Trump expressed his condolences following the "terrible accident" at Reagan National Airport. "May God bless their souls," he said, as shared by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on X. Trump also thanked first responders and promised to share more details as they become available.
Jan 30, 2025 09:31 IST
Army Official Confirms Three Individuals Aboard Black Hawk Helicopter, Status Unconfirmed
An Army official indicated that early reports suggest three individuals were aboard the Black Hawk helicopter, though their current conditions remain unconfirmed.
Jan 30, 2025 09:25 IST
Three Soldiers Onboard UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopter During Crash at Ronald Reagan National Airport
A U.S. Defense Official confirmed that three soldiers were aboard the UH-60 "Black Hawk" helicopter when it crashed earlier at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
Jan 30, 2025 09:23 IST
At Least 4 People Rescued After Plane Crash At Potomac River Near Washington, D.C
Rescue crews have located four survivors from the midair collision between a U.S. Military Sikorsky H-60 “Black Hawk” helicopter and an American Airlines regional jet near Reagan National Airport.
Jan 30, 2025 09:21 IST
Flightradar24 Data Indicates Short Landing, Helicopters Survey Scene
Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 suggests that the aircraft involved in the Lane crash came up short of the runway during its landing attempt. The unusual descent pattern points to a potential miscalculation or technical issue during the approach. Following the incident, helicopters were seen flying over the crash site, likely conducting aerial assessments and aiding emergency response teams. Further investigations are expected to determine the exact cause of the mishap and assess the extent of the damage.