Desperate search for survivors after American Airlines jet is downed in collision with military chopper over DC
SUMMARY
A search for survivors is underway after a U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter collided mid-air with PSA Airlines Flight 5342, an American Airlines regional jet, near Reagan National Airport in Virginia on Wednesday night. The Bombardier CRJ700, traveling from Wichita, Kansas, crashed around 9 p.m. while approaching Runway 33. Emergency responders, including fireboats and police, are at the Potomac River, where debris was found. The FAA halted all flights at the airport. Webcam footage at the Kennedy Center showed an explosion. The plane had about 60 passengers, and fatalities are expected. Senator Ted Cruz confirmed ongoing rescue efforts and called for prayers. President Trump has been briefed. The FAA and NTSB will investigate the cause of the crash. The Wichita-to-DC flight route was inaugurated just a year ago. Authorities continue working at the scene, with updates expected as rescue and recovery efforts progress.
