An American Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 jet collided with a military Black Hawk helicopter in midair, resulting in a catastrophic crash into the Potomac River near Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night.

The tragic incident occurred as American Eagle Flight 5342 was making its final approach to Reagan National Airport, as the Daily Mail reports.

The passenger jet, operated by PSA Airlines on behalf of American Airlines, was en route from Wichita, Kansas, to the nation's capital when it collided at approximately 9:00 p.m. with a military Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk helicopter carrying three soldiers.

The immediate aftermath of the collision was a fireball explosion before both aircraft plummeted into the icy waters of the Potomac. The river’s near-freezing temperatures of 37°F hindered rescue operations as darkness enveloped the crash site, adding another layer of difficulty for emergency teams.

Midair Collision with Helicopter Unfolds

Dive teams were deployed and have managed to recover one of the plane's black boxes as part of their comprehensive search and rescue efforts. So far, at least 19 bodies have been recovered, and officials anticipated that the death toll would climb as operations continued. The aircraft involved sits in about seven feet of water, while the helicopter is upside down and remains dangerously unstable.

A total of 300 first responders engaged in the rescue mission, navigating hazardous conditions to search for any potential survivors.

The cold water temperatures meant that anyone who managed to escape the wreckage would face hypothermia within minutes, significantly reducing their chance of survival.

Among the flight's 64 passengers were several members of the figure skating community, returning from the National Development Camp. Russian figure skating champions Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov were tragically among the victims, while their son, Maxim Naumov, was not aboard the flight.

Crash Documented in Surveillance Footage

The collision marks the first significant commercial air disaster in the U.S. in 16 years. Eyewitnesses, including air traffic controllers who observed the event, reported seeing the aircraft engulfed in a fireball before vanishing into the river. An air traffic control recording captured the chilling moments just before the collision, with an air traffic controller advising the helicopter to "pass behind the CRJ."

Immediately following the crash, operations at Reagan National Airport were halted, and crews focused on locating the wreckage and conducting rescue operations under challenging circumstances.

Surveillance footage from the Kennedy Center and the airport documented the moment of impact, providing crucial evidence for the ongoing investigation led by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

Amid this tragedy, officials and loved ones have expressed condolences and calls for support. Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser sent her deepest sympathies, stating her thoughts were with the families and communities affected by this calamity. Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall labeled the incident a "nightmare," voicing his grief and advocating for immediate answers from authorities.

National Outpouring of Condolences, Support

President Donald Trump was briefed on the situation, acknowledging the efforts of first responders and calling for prayers for those involved in the incident. Vice President JD Vance similarly asked the nation to keep everyone affected in their thoughts.

An air traffic controller succinctly summed up the gravity of the situation, alerting colleagues to the crash and the cessation of airport operations. In a separate statement, American Airlines expressed their awareness of the incident and pledged to disseminate information as it emerges.

Inquiries and Investigations to Begin

As the FAA and NTSB continue their investigations, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has commented on the necessity to review flight paths around Reagan National Airport to prevent future tragedies. The agencies aim to uncover the origins of this freak midair collision, ensuring thorough evaluations and transparent communication.

This devastating air disaster has left families and friends clinging to hope amid overwhelming loss. Hamaad Ramza, whose wife was on the flight, offered a poignant plea for survival, praying for her rescue from the icy depths of the river.

U.S. Figure Skating released a statement reflecting on the tragedy, offering their support to grieving families and communities. Their statement followed a wave of national sympathy for the countless lives touched by this devastating collision.

The rescue operations remain ongoing as officials strive to locate further survivors and provide clarity on this shocking incident that has rocked the aviation community and the nation at large.