Officials have confirmed that a small aircraft was down in the Potomac River area near Ronald Reagan International Airport in Washington D.C. as of around 9 p.m. Wednesday.
According to a 9:09 p.m. X post from the DC Fire and EMS Department, there were fireboats on the scene. Later, the agency reported that the crash required a multi-agency rescue operation.
Per another X post from the Metropolitan Police Department, it responded to the scene. It also said that its helicopter was not involved in the crash and that it was in fact assisting the response efforts.
Ronald Reagan Airport said on X that all takeoffs and landings have been halted at the airport due to “an aircraft incident on the airfield,” though it added that the terminal remains open.
Reuters reporter David Shepardson said on X that the Federal Aviation Administration Confirmed there was a mid-air collision on approach to the airport. A PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet reportedly collided midair with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while on approach to Runway 33 of Reagan National, per his post.
It also said that PSA was operating Flight 5342 for American Airlines and that it departed from Wichita, Kan. Both the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are expected to investigate, with the NTSB leading the investigation.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in an interview with FOX News that President Donald Trump was aware of the situation.
“Tragically, it appears that a military helicopter collided with a regional jet at DCA airport right here in Washington D.C.,” she said, adding that the thoughts and prayers of the Trump administration were with all involved.
“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,” said President Donald Trump in a statement.
In an X post, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) said “we know there are fatalities.”
Check back for updates.