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
Indiana Police Officer Ronnell Johnson Fatally Shot While Handling Personal Firearm at Marion Health Hospital
Authorities in Indiana are investigating the fatal shooting of a Marion Health Police Officer who died early Sunday morning after an accidental firearm discharge inside Marion Health Hospital in Grant County.
According to the Indiana State Police, the incident occurred at approximately 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 30, 2025, when 25-year-old Officer Ronnell J. Johnson, of Marion, Indiana, was discovered with an apparent gunshot wound. Officer Johnson was on duty at the time of the incident.
Initial findings from the ongoing investigation indicate that Officer Johnson was handling a personally-owned, non-department-issued handgun when the firearm discharged, striking him.
Details surrounding how the weapon was being handled and the moments leading up to the injury have not yet been fully clarified.
Emergency personnel from multiple agencies—including the Indiana State Police, Grant County Sheriff’s Office, Marion City Police Department, and Marion Health Police Department—responded immediately.
Hospital medical staff initiated life-saving measures; however, despite their efforts, Officer Johnson succumbed to his injuries.
He was later pronounced deceased by the Grant County Coroner’s Office.
Family notification has been completed, and an autopsy is scheduled as part of the ongoing investigation.
Officials emphasize that no additional details will be released until further evidence is reviewed.
Indiana State Police Detectives are leading the investigation at the request of the Marion City Police Department.
Multiple agencies assisted at the scene, including the Indiana State Police Peru Post and medical personnel from Marion Health Hospital.
The circumstances remain under active review.