Washington: A major search operation is ongoing after a tragic mid-air collision between an American Airlines plane and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan National Airport on Wednesday night. The crash caused both aircraft to plunge into the Potomac River. Authorities have confirmed fatalities, though no survivors had been recovered as of early Thursday morning (local time), according to law enforcement sources.

The two aircraft involved were American Airlines Flight 5342, a regional jet carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, and a Black Hawk helicopter on a training mission with three soldiers aboard. Flight 5342 had departed from Wichita, Kansas, and was nearing Reagan National Airport when the collision occurred. The wreckage from both the plane and the helicopter was located submerged in the icy waters of the Potomac River. "The plane is in pieces in the water and the helicopter is in the water nearby," one law enforcement source stated.

The crash took place during a busy time for Reagan National Airport, with 858 flights scheduled for the day. As a result, approximately 19 aircraft were diverted to nearby Dulles International Airport, around 20 miles away. The airport was closed, and all flights were grounded for the night, with a decision to remain in effect until at least 11 am ET Thursday, airport officials confirmed.

DC Mayor Muriel Bowser confirmed that search efforts remained focused on recovering the victims. Law enforcement authorities are concentrating all resources on water-based recovery, though the icy and murky conditions in the Potomac River are complicating efforts. Fire and EMS Chief John A Donnelly Sr described the situation as "dangerous" for rescue teams, with water depths of around 8 feet, ice, and poor visibility making the operation difficult. "The river is a large black spot at night with no lights, except for a few buoy lights," Donnelly noted. He also warned that recovery operations could take several days.

The FBI's Washington Field Office dive team, part of the Underwater Search and Evidence Response Team (USERT), is assisting in locating the victims. This highly trained team is supporting recovery operations in the challenging underwater environment.

In response to the tragedy, a citywide prayer vigil has been organised for Thursday in Wichita, Kansas, the origin of the American Airlines flight. The Kansas Aviation Museum announced the event to support the victims' families. "Our thoughts and prayers are with all affected by this tragedy as well as the aviation community," the museum stated on Facebook.

Investigation underway

The National Transportation Safety Board has taken charge of investigating the cause of the crash, though further details remain scarce. President Donald Trump offered condolences to the families of the victims, expressing his shock over the incident, "This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented," he posted on Truth Social.

The Washington, DC community continues to feel the impact of this devastating collision as search and recovery operations proceed.

With ANI inputs