Fri Jan 31 00:41:51 IST 2025: ## Mass Casualty Incident in Washington D.C.: Passenger Jet and Military Helicopter Collide, No Survivors Expected

**Washington, D.C. –** A catastrophic mid-air collision between an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter has resulted in a mass casualty incident in the Potomac River near Reagan National Airport. The crash, which occurred Wednesday evening under clear weather conditions, is expected to claim the lives of all 64 passengers and four crew members aboard American Eagle Flight 5342, along with the three soldiers on the helicopter.

As of Thursday morning, at least 28 bodies have been recovered from the frigid waters; 27 from the passenger jet and one from the helicopter. Washington D.C. Fire Chief John Donnelly stated that the recovery operation is now underway, as no survivors are expected. The recovery efforts are hampered by the dark, murky, and icy conditions of the river.

Flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines, was en route from Wichita, Kansas to Reagan National Airport when the collision occurred. The Black Hawk helicopter was reportedly conducting a training exercise. Air traffic control recordings suggest that the helicopter crew was aware of the approaching passenger jet, but a collision was not avoided. Audio recordings reveal warnings issued by air traffic control, followed by gasps and cries of alarm.

Among the victims are several members of the U.S. Figure Skating community, including renowned Russian world pairs champions Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov. The Kremlin has expressed condolences.

President Donald Trump has weighed in, criticizing what he called preventable safety lapses and blaming diversity policies implemented under previous administrations. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has also stated that the collision was preventable. Investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board, the Pentagon, and the Federal Aviation Administration are underway to determine the exact cause of the crash. Reagan National Airport remains closed. The incident has drawn international attention and sparked a renewed debate about aviation safety protocols.

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