Local News
Plane crash into Potomac River: Multiple under the water in seats, 19 bodies recovered so far
No survivor pulled yet from the water.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – A devastating mid-air collision between an American Airlines regional jet and a military helicopter occurred Wednesday night over the Potomac River, near Reagan National Airport (DCA).
The crash prompted an immediate and extensive search and rescue operation as emergency responders worked to recover victims from the water.
According to emergency scanner reports, multiple passengers have been located underwater, still seated inside the wreckage.
As of early reports, at least 19 individuals have been brought to shore, but the total number of casualties remains unclear.
D.C. Fire and EMS, along with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and multiple partner agencies, have been deployed for rescue operations. Authorities confirmed that the crash occurred just before 9 p.m., with emergency calls coming in at 8:53 p.m. regarding an aircraft down in the river.
A dispatcher can be heard reporting:
“Officer advised, there’s a helicopter in the water. They found lifeboats retrieving injured, then looking for the aircraft at the moment.”
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the crash involved a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet, operating as American Eagle Flight 5342, and a Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk helicopter.
- Flight 5342 was en route from Wichita, Kansas (ICT) to Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA).
- The military helicopter was carrying three Army soldiers, according to a defense official.
- The total number of passengers on board the aircraft is estimated at 60, along with four crew members.
Video footage from a Kennedy Center security camera captured the moment of impact, showing what appeared to be an explosion as the aircraft descended toward the airport.
As a result of the crash, all takeoffs and landings at Reagan National Airport were immediately suspended. The FAA issued a ground stop, halting all flights until at least 5 a.m. Thursday.
Initially, the airport was expected to remain closed until 11 p.m., but authorities extended the closure due to the ongoing investigation and rescue operations.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation, with assistance from the FAA. The FBI’s Washington Field Office’s National Capital Response Squad is also involved but has stated there is no indication of criminal or terrorist activity at this time.
American Airlines acknowledged the incident in a statement:
“We’re aware of reports that American Eagle Flight 5342, operated by PSA, with service from Wichita, Kansas (ICT) to Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA), has been involved in an incident. We will provide information as it becomes available.”
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser expressed her concern on social media, stating:
“Our prayers are with everyone involved, and we will continue to keep the public updated as more information becomes available.”
President Donald Trump has been briefed on the situation, according to the White House.
The Air and Space Forces Association urged the public to avoid speculation, stating:
“We ask the public to keep the families in your thoughts and respect efforts to get information to loved ones first as everyone clings to hope for survivors.”
Authorities continue searching for survivors and recovering victims. Given the frigid water temperature of approximately 37°F, concerns about hypothermia and survival times are urgent.
Emergency teams remain on high alert as efforts continue through the night. Updates on casualties, survivors, and the investigation will be provided as more information becomes available.
Local News
Jasmine Henson and her four children died following a devastating residential fire near Canton in Van Zandt County, Texas
CANTON, Texas — Jasmine Henson and her four children have reportedly died following a devastating residential fire near Canton in Van Zandt County, Texas.
The children were trapped inside the burning home early Wednesday morning, October 21, 2026, and a fourth child who was rescued alive later died at a hospital, according to Van Zandt County Fire Marshal Kevin Palmer.
Henson was also hospitalized after the fire and reportedly later died.
The tragedy has devastated the family and shaken the surrounding community, with neighbors, school officials and local residents mourning the loss of the children and expressing support for surviving relatives.
According to the Van Zandt County Fire Marshal’s Office, multiple fire departments responded at approximately 12:30 a.m. Wednesday to a reported structure fire near County Road 4127 and County Road 4128.
Three occupants reportedly managed to escape the burning structure, but four children remained trapped inside.
The fire was so intense that firefighters reportedly had to breach an exterior wall to enter the home. Once inside, crews found the children, but three had already died from their injuries.
The children were described as a 3-year-old girl, a 5-year-old boy and an 8-year-old boy.
A fourth child, a 10-year-old boy, was found alive and airlifted to Parkland Hospital in Dallas for emergency treatment. Despite medical efforts, the child later died, Fire Marshal Kevin Palmer confirmed, bringing the number of child fatalities to four.
The children’s mother, Jasmine Henson, was also transported by medical helicopter to Parkland Hospital after the fire.
According to the supplied account, a family member said Henson suffered extensive burns and was placed on life support. The later update states that she subsequently died, although an official confirmation of her death and the timing of that update should be verified before publication.
The initial reports also indicated that two other occupants were taken to a hospital as a precaution. Their identities and current medical conditions have not been fully detailed in the information provided.
The reported deaths of Henson and all four children have turned the incident into an especially devastating loss for the family and the Canton community.
The Van Zandt County Peace Officer’s Association reportedly identified the family as the Hensons. The children’s grandfather reportedly serves with the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office.
Neighbors described being awakened by screams and the smell of smoke as the fire unfolded. One neighbor, speaking to CBS19, recalled seeing the children riding their bicycles outside regularly and described them as sweet, well-liked youngsters who had become familiar faces in the neighborhood.
Those memories have added to the heartbreak felt by residents as they come to terms with the loss of four young children and their mother.
Canton Independent School District issued a statement expressing profound sadness over the deaths of students connected to Canton Elementary and Canton Intermediate Schools.
The district extended its condolences to the Henson family, friends, classmates, teachers and everyone affected by the tragedy.
Canton ISD also announced that counselors and support staff would be available on campus in the coming days to help students and employees cope with the loss.
School officials emphasized the importance of compassion, kindness and community support during the difficult period.
A prayer vigil was reportedly held Wednesday at the Van Zandt County Courthouse in Canton, allowing community members to gather, pray and remember those affected by the fire.
The cause of the blaze has not been publicly released. The Van Zandt County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the incident, and officials may provide additional details as the investigation continues.
As the community mourns, attention remains focused on the surviving occupants, the grieving family and the firefighters who entered the burning structure in an effort to save the children.
The deaths of Jasmine Henson and her four children represent an unimaginable loss. Residents are being encouraged to support those affected and keep the family, survivors and first responders in their thoughts as investigators work to determine what caused the fire.