Trump Monitoring Washington Plane Crash Over Potomac River
US President Donald Trump stated that he is closely monitoring the plane crash that occurred over the Potomac River near Reagan National Airport in Washington.
Washington: US President Donald Trump stated that he is closely monitoring the plane crash that occurred over the Potomac River near Reagan National Airport in Washington.
“I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport. May God bless their souls. Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise,” the President’s office said in a statement.
Table of Contents
Mid-Air Collision Involving American Airlines Flight 5342 and Black Hawk Helicopter
The tragic mid-air collision involved American Airlines Flight 5342, a passenger plane, and a Black Hawk helicopter, with the crash occurring near the Potomac River. The passenger jet, which was carrying 60 passengers and crew, was on approach to Reagan National Airport at the time of the incident.
Also Read: Pooja Hegde: “Don’t Want to Put That Pressure in My Mind of Making It or Not”
Senator Ted Cruz Confirms Fatalities
Senator Ted Cruz of Texas acknowledged the fatalities in the crash. “I am closely monitoring the situation at DCA, and I will receive a briefing from the FAA tomorrow. While we don’t yet know how many on board were lost, we know there are fatalities. Please join Heidi and me in praying for all involved as the search and rescue is underway,” Cruz said in a post on X.
FAA Provides Details of the Collision
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that the collision occurred around 9 p.m. on Wednesday, as the passenger jet was approaching Runway 33 at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The aircraft involved was a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet, operating as Flight 5342 for American Airlines, which had departed from Wichita, Kansas. The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an investigation, with the NTSB leading the efforts.
Emergency Response and Search Operations Underway
Emergency response teams, including the Metropolitan Police Department and the District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department, quickly initiated search and rescue operations in the Potomac River. Rescue boats were deployed to the crash site to assist potential survivors. As a precaution, all flights at Reagan National Airport were temporarily suspended to facilitate emergency response efforts.
FAA and Reagan Airport Suspend Operations
The FAA confirmed that all takeoffs and landings at Reagan National Airport were halted to allow for emergency operations. “Emergency personnel are responding to an aircraft incident on the airfield. The terminal remains open. Will update,” Reagan Airport posted on X.
Kansas Senator Jerry Moran Reacts to Incident
Kansas Senator Jerry Moran expressed concern after learning that a plane inbound from Kansas was involved in the crash. “Learning that a plane inbound from Kansas was involved in a crash at DCA. I am in contact with authorities. Please join me in praying for all involved,” Moran posted on X.
Public Urged to Avoid the Area
Authorities are advising the public to avoid the area surrounding the crash site to allow emergency personnel to perform their duties effectively. Rescue operations are still underway, and more details are expected as the investigation continues.
