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Last Updated:January 30, 2025, 23:08 IST
Washington Plane Crash LIVE: An American Airlines regional jet and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter collided mid-air near Reagan Washington Airport, crashing into the Potomac River.
Workers from the American Red Cross arrive at Ronald Reagan Washington Airport in Arlington, Virginia. (IMAGE: AP PHOTO)
American Airlines Plane Crash, Reagan Airport Live Updates: An American Airlines regional passenger jet collided with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan Washington Airport early on Thursday (India time). Soon after the collision, both the aircraft crashed into the Potomac River, prompting massive emergency crews to gather for rescue operations.
The American Airlines plane was carrying 60 passengers, along with two pilots and two crew members, while the helicopter was carrying three soldiers at the time of the crash, news agency Reuters quoted a US official as saying.
Later, the Reagan Airport said that all takeoffs and landings had been halted as emergency personnel responded to an aircraft incident. US President Donald Trump said there were no survivors in the plane crash, and expressed condolences in “an hour of anguish”, describing the incident as a “tragedy of terrible proportions”.
“The work has now shifted to a recovery mission,” Trump said in a press conference, adding Wednesday was “a dark and excruciating night in our nation’s capital and in our nation’s history.”
Ex-Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg Calls Trump's Profanity-Laden Criticism 'Despicable'
Former US Secretary Pete Buttigieg called Trump’s criticism against him over the Washington plane crash “despicable”. Taking to X, he said, “As families grieve, Trump should be leading, not lying”.
He also said under his tenure, the agency had “zero commercial airline crash fatalities out of millions of flights on our watch”. This came after Trump resorted to profanity to denounce what he called Democartic-led efforts to promote diversity at federal agencies.
Senate Democratic Leader Slams Trump's Theories On Plance Crash: 'Turns Your Stomach'
US Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said President Donald Trump’s theories on the crash “turns your stomach”. “It’s one thing for internet pundits to spew off conspiracy theories, it’s another for the president of the United States,” Schumer said at the Capitol.
'Because I Have Common Sense': Trump When Asked About Diversity Hires
US President responded to questions over his allegations linking diversity hires to Wednesday’s plane crash by saying, “Because I have common sense and unfortunately a lot of people don’t.” However, he offered up various theories and observations but said it was not confirmed that it’s necessarily the air traffic controllers’ fault.
US To Repatriate Mortal Remains Of Russians Killed In Washington Plane Crash
US President Donald Trump said that his administration was in touch with Russia and the remains of the two Russians who were killed in the Washington plane crash would be repatriated. Russian ice skating coaches and former world champions Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov were in the flight when it collided with the military chopper.
Trump Vows To Dismiss Air Traffic Officials Who Are Not 'Mentally Competent'
US President Donald Trump said he would fire air traffic officials who are not mentally competent. “For some jobs, they have to be at the highest level of genius.”
Trump Says 'No Evidence' Of Collision Due To Diversity Hires
US President Donald Trump did not offer any evidence that the collision took place due to diversity hires in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). “It just could have been,” the president said.
Trump blamed previous administrations’ efforts to promote diversity at federal agencies for contributing to the crash and targeted Obama and Biden’s policies
Trump's Defence Secretary Says Army Investigating Chopper's Role In Plane Crash
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says the Army is investigating whether the Blackhawk’s altitude played a role in the deadly crash. A young captain, a staff sergeant and a chief warrant officer were on board the chopper.
“The military does dangerous things. It does routine things on a regular basis. Tragically, last night, a mistake was made,” Hegseth said.
'It's Not Your Fault' Trump Tells His Transportation Secretary
US President Donald Trump told his newly sworn in Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, “It’s not your fault” following the plane crash. Duffy then took the White House podium and declared, “We will not accept excuses.”
'We Will Not Excuses': Trump's Transportation Secretary Vows Efforts To Prevent Aviation Disasters
US Transporation Secretary Sean Duffy said the deadly Washington plane crash “should not have happened” and vowed efforts to probe the incident. “When Americans take off in airplanes, they should expect to land in their destination. That did not happen yesterday. That’s unacceptable,” he said at a presser alongside Trump.
Trump Blames Federal Diversity Efforts For Washington Plane Crash
Trump blamed federal diversity and inclusion promotion efforts he said were championed under former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg for standards slipping. He used profanity to describe such efforts. “That guy’s a real winner,” Trump said sarcastically of Buttigieg, before adding, “He’s a disaster.”
Flights Resume At Reagan Airport After Washington Midair Collision
Flights have begun taking off from Reagan Airport, hours after they were grounded since the Wednesday mid-air collision over the Potomac river. Many flights were canceled, with airport information boards covered in red cancellation messages. Others were delayed until late morning and afternoon.
Trump Blames Democrats For Mid-Air Collision: 'Their Policy Was Horrible'
Donald Trump sought to blame previous Democrat administrations for Wednesday’s deadly plane crash over the Potomac river. “We must have only the highest standards for those who work in our aviation system. I changed the Obama standards from very mediocre at best to extraordinary,” he said at a press conference.
He also blamed his predecessor Joe Biden for lowering the standards of air traffic controllers even lower. “Their policy was horrible and their politics was even worse.”
Trump Says Military Chopper In 'Unbelievably Bad' Position
US President Donald Trump said the US Black Hawk chopper that collided with the American Airlines plane was in an “unbelievably bad” position, hinting at his earlier comments that the tragedy could have been prevented.
“For some reason, there weren’t arrangements made. You could have slowed down the helicopter substantially, you could have stopped the helicopter. You could have gone up, you could have gone down. You could have turned, you could have done a million different maneuvers,” he said.
Trump Began Briefing With Moment Of Silence For Victims, Families
US President Donald Trump began Thursday’s news briefing with a moment of silence for the victims and their families. “I’d like to request a moment of silence for the victims and their families,” Trump said before bowing his head.
“The work has now shifted to a recovery mission,” Trump said, adding Wednesday was “a dark and excruciating night in our nation’s capital and in our nation’s history.”
Trump Appoints FAA Acting Commissioner To Probe Washington Plane Crash
US President Donald Trump appointed Christopher Rocheleau as the Acting Commissioner of the Federal Aviation Administration to oversee the probe of the Washington plane crash, describing him as “highly respected”.
Washington Plane Crash LIVE: 'Have Good Ideas On Why It Happened', Says Trump
US President Donald Trump said his team had “some good ideas” on what led to the deadly midair collision over the Potomac River that killed more than 60 people. He promised that this situation will never happen again and the FAA and US military will carry out a comprehensive investigation.
Washington Plane Crash LIVE: 'Our Hearts Are Shattered', Trump Expresses Condolences
“This was a dark and excruciating night in our nation’s capital and in our nation’s history and a tragedy of terrible proportions. As one nation, we grieve for every precious soul that has been taken from us so suddenly and we are in mourning. This has shaken a lot of people, including people very sadly, from other nations who were on the plane,” Trump said during a press conference.
“On behalf of the First Lady, myself and 340 million Americans, our hearts are shattered alongside yours and our prayers are with you now and in the days to come, we will work very diligently and we are here to wipe away your tears and to offer you our devotion, love and support,” he added.
Trump Lauds US Coast Guard, Federal Military For Rescue Ops
US President Donald Trump praised the efforts of the US Coast Guard as well as the state and local authorities and federal military for doing a “phenomenal job” in beginning a quick rescue operation following the crash.
'Tragedy Of Terrible Proportions': Donald Trump Confirms No Survivors
US President Donald Trump said there were no survivors in the Washington plane crash, calling it ‘a tragedy of terrible proportions”. He also expressed condolences over the death of Russian nationals who were on the American Airlines plane.
Donald Trump Addressing Media Over Washington Plane Crash
US President Donald Trump is addressing the media over the deadly mid-air collision in Washington.
What Are Some Of The Deadliest Aviation Disasters In US Recently?
The midair collision over the Potomac river marked the deadliest aviation disaster in the US since November 12, 2001. On that day an American Airlines Flight 587 crashed into Belle Harbor, Queens, New York, killing all 260 people on board.
The last crash was in 2009 in Buffalo, New York, when all 45 passengers and four crew members were killed when the Bombardier DHC-8 propeller plane crashed into a house.
A Comair aircraft crashed when taking off in Lexington, Kentucky on Aug 27, 2006, after it left from the wrong runway and ran off the end. Two crew members and 47 passengers were killed.
Kremlin Expresses Condolences To Kin Of Russians Killed In Crash
The Kremlin on Thursday expressed its condolences to the families of Russian citizens who lost their lives in the American Airlines plane crash in Washington on Wednesday night (local time). Russian ice skating coaches and former world champions Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov were in the flight when it collided with the military chopper.
Figure Skating Club Says 6 Members Or Associates Were Killed In Washington Plane Crash
Two teenage figure skaters, their mothers and two world champion coaches from Boston were among the 14 members of the skating community killed in the mid-air collision between an American Airlines plane and a US military chopper.
President Trump To Speak On Washington Plane Crash, Says White House
US President Donald Trump will hold a news briefing at 11 am (local time) Thursday on the mid-air crash between a passenger jet and a military helicopter in Washington, the White House said.
Deadly Potomac River Collision Marks Deadliest US Aviation Disaster Since 2001
Broadcaster CNN said Wednesday night’s midair collision over the Potomac River has been declared the deadliest aviation disaster in the US since November 12, 2001. On that day an American Airlines Flight 587 crashed into Belle Harbor, Queens, New York, killing all 260 people on board.
Senators Hold Off On Criticizing Reagan ’s Congested Airspace After Collision
US senators who had previously voiced concerns about airspace congestion around Reagan Airport chose not to blame heavy traffic for Wednesday’s deadly collision.
“We have raised this issue continuously. We’ve got very busy airspace,” said Senator Mark Warner on Thursday morning. “I think we will ask questions, but at the appropriate time. We are in this period right now where families are being notified. We’re trying to figure out what happened.”
Reagan Airport Can Reopen Safely After Crash, CEO Says
Reagan Airport will resume operations at 11 a.m. Thursday (local time), despite ongoing recovery efforts following the deadly collision between an American Airlines plane and a military helicopter.
Jack Potter, CEO of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, confirmed the airport’s reopening and said that it has been deemed safe for flights to resume.
“It’s safe,” Potter said. “We’ve worked with all of the federal agencies, FAA, and it’s been determined we can open that airport safely. The recovery effort that’s on our property is on the waterfront.”
New Transportation Secretary Calls DC Collision “Absolutely” Preventable
The newly appointed Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, has stated that the recent midair collision between an American Airlines passenger jet and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter was “absolutely” preventable.
American Airlines CEO Suggests Helicopter’s Path May Be To Blame For DC Collision
American Airlines CEO Robert Isom raised concerns over the collision between a military helicopter and a passenger plane in Washington, DC. Isom pointed to the helicopter’s flight path, implying that it may have played a role in the crash.
“As of now, we don’t know why the military aircraft came into the path of the PSA aircraft,” Isom said Thursday morning, according to CNN.
American Airlines Jet, Army Helicopter Collision Claims 28 Lives
At least 28 bodies have been recovered from the icy waters of the Potomac River after an American Airlines jet carrying 60 passengers and four crew members collided with an Army helicopter while landing at Ronald Reagan Airport near Washington.
American Figure Skating Group Says Flight Carried Members Of US Figure Skating Community
US Figure Skating, the organization governing the sport across the nation, confirmed that “several members” of its community were onboard the American Airlines flight that collided with a helicopter in Washington, DC, on Wednesday evening.
The passengers included athletes, coaches, and family members who were returning from the Development Camp, an event held alongside the US Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas.
“US Figure Skating can confirm that several members of our skating community were sadly aboard American Airlines Flight 5342, which collided with a helicopter yesterday evening in Washington, D.C. These athletes, coaches, and family members were returning home from the Development Camp held in conjunction with the US Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas. We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims’ families closely in our hearts. We will continue to monitor the situation and will release more information as it becomes available,” the body said in a statement.
Russian Figure Skaters Reported Onboard Plane That Collided With US Army Helicopter Near Washington
Two world-champion Russian figure skaters were reportedly onboard the passenger plane that collided with a US Army helicopter near Washington, DC, according to Russian state media outlet TASS.
DC Fire Chief Says All Search-and-Rescue Efforts In Water Will Take Multiple Days
D.C. Fire and EMS Chief John A. Donnelly Sr. outlined the challenges facing rescue teams currently operating in the Potomac River, where conditions are described as “dangerous” and “hard to work in.”
“The water we’re operating in is about 8 feet deep,” Donnelly explained.
Donnelly also shared that the investigation into the collision is expected to take longer than initially anticipated. As of now, search-and-rescue efforts remain focused on the water, with no further updates on the victims.
Witness Near Potomac River Heard 2 Booms, Smelled Jet Fuel After Plane Crash
Ashlyn Finch, a witness living near the Potomac River, reported hearing two loud booms followed by the smell of jet fuel. Finch, in a Facebook message to The Associated Press, shared that her 12-year-old son came running down to say he had seen a plane crash and the lights go into the water.
300 Responders Work On Rescue Operation Amid Harsh Conditions, Fire And EMS Chief Says
Over 300 responders are actively engaged in the ongoing rescue operation following the air crash in the Potomac River. Fire and EMS Chief John A. Donnelly confirmed that the situation on the ground is challenging, noting that cold weather and intense wind are making conditions extremely difficult for those involved in the rescue efforts.
Officials Provide Limited Details On Reagan Air Crash Victims
Authorities ended a press briefing without confirming details about victims of the Reagan air crash in the Potomac River. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser declined to comment on the rescue operation or the condition of the aircraft, which remains submerged.
When asked if there were any survivors, Fire and EMS Chief John A. Donnelly said, “We don’t know yet. But we’re working.” Officials have not shared further updates.
Washington’s Reagan Airport to Reopen at 11 AM Thursday
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that Washington’s Reagan Airport will reopen at 11 a.m. Thursday, revising its earlier guidance that had extended the closure until 5 a.m. Friday, the Associated Press said.
Transit Authority Extends Rail Service
On its social media channels, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority said it has extended rail service on its silver line from Dulles Airport, where some flights were diverted following the collision near Reagan Airport.
Officials also said buses would be available at Metro Center, a major downtown metro rail hub, to then ferry travellers back to Reagan if their cars were parked there.
What Caused Reagan Plane Crash?
The Federal Aviation Administration said the midair collision occurred around 9 pm EST when a regional jet that had departed from Wichita, Kansas, collided with a military Blackhawk helicopter while on approach to an airport runway. The helicopter was on a training flight, an official told the Associated Press.
Donald Trump Issues Statement On Reagan Plane Crash
US President Trump addresses the Reagan Airport crash, and issues a statement.
