Local News
Fatalities reported after American Airlines plane crashes into Potomac River near Reagan National
THREE SOLDIERS WERE ON BOARD U.S. ARMY BLACKHAWK HELICOPTER, OFFICIAL SAYS
WASHINGTON, D.C. – A catastrophic midair collision between an American Airlines regional jet and a military helicopter resulted in both aircraft crashing into the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday evening, authorities confirmed.
The D.C. Fire and EMS Department reported the collision, which occurred at approximately 9:00 p.m. local time.
Video footage from the EarthCam web camera network captured the moment of impact, showing a large flash as the two aircraft collided.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released a statement identifying the commercial airliner as PSA Airlines Flight 5342, operating under American Airlines.
The aircraft, a Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet, had departed from Wichita, Kansas, and was on approach to Runway 33 at Reagan National Airport when it collided with a Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk military helicopter.
The airliner was carrying approximately 60 people, though the exact number of passengers and crew aboard the helicopter remains unknown.
Emergency responders have rescued at least four individuals, all of whom were transported to local hospitals. The extent of their injuries has not been disclosed.
Authorities have confirmed fatalities, though the exact number remains unclear.
Search and rescue teams are conducting an intense operation in the frigid waters of the Potomac River, where temperatures are reported to be around 37°F, according to Storm Team4 meteorologist Doug Kammerer. At this temperature, a person exposed to the water for more than 15 to 20 minutes is at risk of hypothermia.
A massive emergency response is underway, with fireboats deployed and personnel from multiple agencies, including the Metropolitan Police Department, the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and regional fire departments, converging at Gravelly Point, north of the airport.
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an investigation, with the NTSB leading the effort to determine the cause of the collision.
As a result of the crash, all takeoffs and landings at Reagan National Airport were immediately suspended. Officials have stated there is no indication of criminal or terrorist activity linked to the incident.
A senior FBI official confirmed that Washington Field Office personnel are on standby to assist as needed. Additionally, authorities have verified that no senior U.S. officials were aboard the military helicopter at the time of the crash.
The situation remains fluid and developing, with further updates expected as search and recovery efforts continue. Anyone with information about the crash is urged to contact federal aviation authorities.
Local News
At least two killed, multiple trapped after explosion at Silver Lake Nursing Home in Bristol
BRISTOL, Pa. (Bucks County) — Emergency crews are responding to a major incident at the Silver Lake Nursing Home following a reported gas explosion that caused a partial building collapse.
The incident occurred at approximately 905 Tower Road, where a second alarm and a Level 2 Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) response were requested as conditions escalated.
First-arriving units reported significant structural damage to the facility, prompting an immediate search-and-rescue operation for residents and staff.
Authorities on scene indicated that approximately 15 patients were initially accounted for outside the building, while multiple others remain unaccounted for.
Rescue teams have reported numerous individuals trapped beneath debris on the second floor, as well as additional victims trapped in the basement area.
At least two fatalities has been reported in the basement, according to early emergency communications.
As the situation developed, a third alarm was transmitted, bringing in substantial mutual aid resources, including out-of-county fire, rescue, and emergency medical units. A medical helicopter has been placed on standby in anticipation of critical patient transport.
Emergency personnel continue to conduct systematic searches of the damaged structure while assessing stability concerns and coordinating patient triage.
The extent of injuries and the total number of victims have not yet been confirmed.
Road closures are in effect in the surrounding area as emergency operations continue. Officials have advised the public to avoid the scene to allow responders unobstructed access.
This remains a rapidly evolving situation.
Authorities are expected to release additional information as more details are confirmed.