UPDATE (11:40 CST)
A police official on the scene told CBS News that three debris fields were spotted in the water and at least 18 bodies had been recovered as of 10:30 p.m. CT.
The official confirmed that no survivors had been found, contradicting initial reports from media that four had been discovered.
Please stay tuned as this is a developing story and information may change.
Original Report
A passenger aircraft departing from Reagan Washington National Airport crashed into the Potomac River, leading to a swift and coordinated rescue operation.
Four individuals have been reportedly rescued from the frigid waters and are receiving medical attention, according to NBC News.
WATCH:
Prayer Update: at least 4 survivors have been rescued (per @nbcwashington)
Keep praying for more! pic.twitter.com/S3Pfo07MWq
— Sean Feucht (@seanfeucht) January 30, 2025
The Gateway Pundit reported a moment ago that a mid-air collision occurred over the Potomac River near Washington, D.C., involving American Eagle Flight 5342 and a U.S. Army Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.
The collision resulted in both aircraft crashing into the icy waters below.
American Eagle Flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines, was en route from Wichita, Kansas, to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
The Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet was carrying 60 passengers and 4 crew members.
The U.S. Army helicopter had three military personnel on board.
“We can confirm that the aircraft involved in tonight’s incident was an Army UH-60 helicopter out of Fort Belvoir, Virginia. We are working with local officials and will provide additional information once it becomes available,” a US Army official told CNN.
Emergency response teams from across the D.C. region, including units from Fairfax and Montgomery counties, swiftly converged on the scene. Fireboats were deployed to the crash site in the Potomac River to search for victims and survivors.
Rescue operations were hampered by cold temperatures and ice, with water temperatures recorded at 35°F (2°C), according to CNN.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore announced on X that the state’s Department of Emergency Management has elevated its Emergency Operations Center to ‘Enhanced’ status to provide support.
@MDMEMA has raised its Emergency Operations Center to “Enhanced” status in support. @MDSP have deployed divers to the scene to assist with rescue missions. @MarylandDNR police are also on scene. There are no operational restrictions on BWI at this time. (2/3)
— Governor Wes Moore (@GovWesMoore) January 30, 2025
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin stated that “extensive resources are fully committed to supporting the search and rescue efforts” after the crash.
“I have been briefed by our Emergency Management team and Virginia State Police about the tragic crash at Reagan National Airport tonight. Extensive resources are fully supporting the search and rescue efforts,” Youngkin wrote.
“First responders from across Northern Virginia, DC and Maryland mobilized quickly. I ask everyone to pray for the passengers, crews, their families, and brave first responders,” he added.
First responders from across Northern Virginia, DC and Maryland mobilized quickly. I ask everyone to pray for the passengers, crews, their families, and brave first responders.
— Governor Glenn Youngkin (@GovernorVA) January 30, 2025
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also released a statement following the tragic event.
“We are deploying every available US Coast Guard resource for search and rescue efforts in this horrific incident at DCA. We are actively monitoring the situation & stand ready to support local responders. Praying for the victims and first responders.”
We are deploying every available US Coast Guard resource for search and rescue efforts in this horrific incident at DCA. We are actively monitoring the situation & stand ready to support local responders.
Praying for the victims and first responders.
— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) January 30, 2025
President Donald Trump has issued a statement confirming that he has been briefed on the crash and is actively monitoring the situation.
— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) January 30, 2025
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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