18 bodies recovered so far in midair collision in US; Intense search still on

Washington: A devastating midair collision between a regional passenger jet and a military Blackhawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan National Airport has left 18 bodies recovered so far. The crash, which occurred over the Potomac River, has led to a large-scale search-and-rescue operation and grounded all air traffic in the area.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the collision took place around 9 pm EST. American Airlines Flight 5342, a Bombardier CRJ-701 aircraft with 60 passengers and four crew members onboard, was making its final approach to the airport when it collided with a military Blackhawk helicopter. The aircraft, inbound from Wichita, Kansas, was just 2,400 feet from the runway when its radio transponder ceased transmitting, marking the moment of impact.

Inflatable rescue boats were deployed into the Potomac River from a location along the George Washington Parkway, just north of the airport. Emergency responders set up floodlights along the shore to brighten the area near the crash site. At least six boats are combing the waters in the freezing temperatures, using searchlights to assist in the effort.

Tragedy near one of world's most monitored airspaces

The collision occurred in one of the most heavily surveilled airspaces globally, less than three miles from the White House. Just before the crash, air traffic controllers cleared the regional jet to land on Runway 33. They had also instructed the military helicopter, identified as PAT 25, to pass behind the incoming flight. However, disaster struck moments later.