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
Authorities Identify Three Missing Girls in Missouri River Near Dodge Park
A 13-year-old girl was the only one who managed to get out of the water.
Authorities in Omaha have confirmed that search and recovery efforts are ongoing for three girls who went missing in the Missouri River near NP Dodge Park on Tuesday evening, April 15, 2025.
According to officials, four girls had gone fishing and entered the water near a boat dock in the area around 6:00 p.m. Witnesses reported that the girls began to struggle as they floated down the river.
A 13-year-old girl was the only one who managed to get out of the water.
She was later found on the riverbank, visibly distressed and crying.
Omaha Fire Battalion Chief Coby Werner stated that the girl, who was transported to a local hospital for evaluation, informed emergency responders that she was related to the three others who were still missing.
The missing individuals have been identified as 18-year-old Laiana Green, 18-year-old Lah K. Tray Moo, and 11-year-old Eh Cress Moo.
Authorities have not released information suggesting that any of the girls were wearing life jackets at the time of the incident.
What began as a rescue operation on Tuesday evening has now transitioned into a recovery mission, as confirmed by Omaha Fire and Rescue on Wednesday morning.
The water temperature in the Missouri River, currently around 45 degrees Fahrenheit, poses a serious risk by potentially delaying the resurfacing of individuals, officials noted.
Search crews were forced to suspend operations around sunset on Tuesday due to low visibility and safety concerns.
The recovery effort resumed early Wednesday morning with a more coordinated strategy—agencies were assigned designated areas along the river to search individually to maximize coverage.
Despite some promising signals throughout the day, those sightings were ultimately determined to be debris.
Emergency services have expanded their search zone and plan to continue efforts into the weekend, moving further downstream. Specialized equipment, including sonar technology, drones, and aerial surveillance from a police helicopter, is being utilized to aid in locating the missing girls.
As of Wednesday evening, eight boats and four responding agencies were actively involved in the search, including Omaha Fire Department, Bennington Fire Department, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
“The Missouri River is extremely hazardous, especially at night,” said Battalion Chief Werner. “There’s a strong current, submerged debris, and poor visibility. Earlier today, we saw a large tree float past, which shows how dangerous this environment is for our crews.”
Authorities are requesting the public to avoid the river while recovery operations continue and urge community members to keep the families of the missing girls in their thoughts.
“This is an unimaginable tragedy,” said a spokesperson for Omaha Fire. “But we remain committed to bringing closure to these families. Our teams will be out here at first light every day until this mission is complete.”