09:38 / 30.01.2025

A helicopter and a passenger plane collided in the air in Washington (video)

^{Photo: CNN}
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said a PSA Airlines CRJ700 passenger plane was approaching the airport at 9:00 p.m. local time when it collided with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter. The plane was flying an American Airlines flight from Wichita, Kansas, to Washington, D.C. The plane can carry up to 65 passengers, according to the American Airlines website.

The airport, in turn, announced the suspension of all flights. “Emergency services are responding to an incident involving an aircraft at the airport,” the airport said on social media.

The National Transportation Safety Board said it was gathering more information about the incident.

Helicopters from the U.S. Park Police, the District of Columbia Police Department and U.S. military flew over the Potomac River on Wednesday evening, the Associated Press reported.

Surveillance video from a nearby Kennedy Center shows two explosive objects (possibly aircraft) and a bright flash as they approach, the AP reported.

"We don't know how many people are dead yet, but we know there are victims," said Texas Senator Ted Cruz.

"Please keep your prayers for those involved in the collision near Reagan Airport tonight. We are monitoring the situation, but for now, we are hopeful for the best," said Vice President JD Vance.

According to webcam data, the crash occurred at 8:48 p.m. local time.

Rescuers are searching for people aboard a plane and a helicopter that collided in the Potomac River near Reagan Airport in Washington.

"At least four people survived the plane crash in Washington and were hospitalized", NBC reports.