American Airlines jet and U.S. Army helicopter collide over D.C., officials say

A regional jet carrying 64 people and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter collided in midair near Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday night, officials said, citing preliminary reports.

The big picture: D.C. Fire and EMS Department said on X a small aircraft was “down in Potomac River” in the vicinity of the D.C.-area airport and fireboats were on the scene. Multiple agencies said they had search and rescue crews attending.

• The American Eagle Flight 5342 was en route from Wichita, Kansas to Washington, D.C., with 60 passengers and four crew members on board, per a statement on American Airlines’ website.
• A U.S. Army spokesperson said in an emailed statement late Wednesday that one of its UH-60 helicopters out of Fort Belvoir, Virginia, was involved in the incident. Three service members were on board the helicopter, an official told Axios.
• President Trump said in an emailed statement late Wednesday thanking first responders he’s been “fully briefed on the terrible accident,” adding: “May God Bless their souls.”

Zoom in: Officials said the crash prompted a ground stop and forced Reagan airport in Arlington, Virginia, to temporarily shut down following the incident, which the FAA said happened about 9pm.

• The Metropolitan Police Department said on X its officers, the fire department and multiple agency partners were involved in search and rescue operations following the crash.
• Reagan Airport said on X all takeoffs and landings had been “halted at DCA” and emergency personnel were “responding to an aircraft incident on the airfield.” The terminal remained open, according to the airport.
• The airport that officials say has the “busiest runway in America” was expected to remain closed until at least 5am Friday, per a Federal Aviation Administration post on Bluesky.

What we’re watching: Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said on X her department was “deploying every available” U.S. Coast Guard resource “for search and rescue efforts in this horrific incident at DCA.”

• She’s and “actively monitoring the situation,” and stood “ready to support local responders.”
• Maryland State Police “have deployed divers to the scene, where temperatures were expected to be below freezing overnight, to assist with rescue missions,” state Gov. Wes Moore said on X.
• Trump said he’s “monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise.”
• The FAA said it and the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the incident, with the NTSB leading the investigation.

What they’re saying: Vice President JD Vance said on X, “Please say a prayer for everyone involved in the mid-air collision near Reagan airport this evening. We’re monitoring the situation, but for now let’s hope for the best.”

• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also issued a statement on the incident:

Editor’s note: This a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.

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