NAIROBI, Kenya- A shocking mid-air collision near Washington, D.C.’s Ronald Reagan National Airport has sparked an urgent search-and-rescue operation.
An American Airlines regional jet collided with a helicopter while preparing to land, sending both aircraft crashing into the Potomac River.
Emergency response teams are racing against time to locate survivors and assess the damage.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the aircraft involved was American Airlines Flight 5342, a Bombardier CRJ700, which had departed from Wichita, Kansas.
NEW: American Airlines Flight 5342 was involved in Wednesday night’s crash near Reagan Washington National Airport, the airline confirmed.Those who may have loved ones on the flight can call 800-679-8215, the airline told ABC News.
Following the crash, all takeoffs and landings at Ronald Reagan National Airport were suspended, as emergency personnel rushed to the scene.
The Metropolitan Police Department reported that multiple agencies, including coast guard units and fire rescue teams, have been deployed to conduct a search-and-rescue mission in the Potomac River.
While details remain scarce, aviation experts are already raising concerns about air traffic control communication, flight safety protocols, and the cause of the collision.
The identity of the helicopter involved also remains unclear, though local police have confirmed that it did not belong to law enforcement agencies.
This tragic event brings back memories of past aviation disasters that led to critical safety reforms. As officials work to determine what went wrong, the world waits for answers.