Many feared dead as plane carrying 64 passengers collides with military helicopter in Washington DC

A US military Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines passenger plane collided mid-air in Washington DC.

This happened on Wednesday evening at 10pm local time and the crash site is on the Potomac River close to the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

A US official said that three soldiers were on board the helicopter which was on a routine training flight and the American Airlines plane had 60 passengers and four crew on board.

So far more than 30 bodies have been recovered from the Potomac River and rescuers are facing challenging conditions.

Russian state news agency TASS reported there was Russian figure skaters onboard along with other Russians.

The Kremlin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, “We see, unfortunately, that this sad information is confirmed.

🔴 Footage from the airport camera shows the devastating air crash.
With images of the wreckage.#planecrash #WashingtonDC #Washington #TRUMP pic.twitter.com/3yfJYwsQiT

— Taymur Malik (@Taymur959) January 30, 2025

“Our other compatriots were also there. Bad news from Washington today.”

The US President wrote on his social media channel Truth, “Why didn’t the helicopter go up or down, or turn. Why didn’t the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane. This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!”.

🚨 #BREAKING: The military Blackhawk that crashed into an American Airlines flight in Washington, DC was reportedly “FLYING DARK,” per ADSBexchange

The chopper was NOT broadcasting an ADSB signal at the time.

It has just been found submerged in the Potomac River, and first… pic.twitter.com/Ei74STsV1T

— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) January 30, 2025

Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser wrote on X: “Tonight, as our first responders continue their efforts, we are sending our love and prayers to the families, loved ones, and communities who are experiencing loss during this terrible tragedy.”

American Airlines CEO Robert Isom said in a video statement: “We’re cooperating with the National Transportation Safety Board in its investigation and will continue to provide all the information we can.”