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American Airlines plane with 64 people crashes into river after collision with US army helicopter

A search-and-rescue operation is underway.

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January 30, 2025, 03:58 PM

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Rescue efforts are underway after an American Airlines plane carrying 64 people and a U.S. army helicopter collided on Jan. 30 (Singapore time).

According to the Associated Press (AP News), the incident occurred before 9pm (Washington time).

The passenger jet was about to land at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington.

The midair collision caused both aircraft to crash into the Potomac River, prompting a search-and-rescue operation bound to last several days, reported CNN.

Three soldiers in helicopter, 64 people in plane

The American Airlines carried 60 passengers and four crew members while the U.S. army helicopter had three soldiers onboard.

The passenger plane originally departed from Wichita, Kansas on Jan. 30 and was bound for Ronald Reagan National Airport.

The U.S. army helicopter was on a military training flight.

The passenger plane experienced a sudden loss of altitude over the river at around 400 feet in the air, according to AP News.

As it was approaching the runway, it collided with the helicopter.

The cause of the collision is still being investigated.

Rescue efforts ongoing

300 responders are currently involved in a search-and-rescue operation, reported CNN.

Speaking at a press conference at Reagan National Airport on Jan. 30, DC Fire and EMS Chief John A. Donnelly Sr. said that the first units had located an aircraft in the Potomac River at around 8:58pm (Washington time).

He described the water as "dark" and "murky", adding that the condition is "dangerous" and "tough" for rescue divers to navigate.

No survivors have been recovered so far.

Donnelly added that rescue efforts may take multiple days to complete.

19 aircraft that were in the air when the incident occurred were directed to the nearby Dulles International Airport.

Ronald Reagan National Airport will be temporarily closed until at least 11am (Washington time).

Top photos via American Airlines/Facebook & Sumit Hansd/X

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