US: American Airlines flight crashes at Reagan National Airport in Washington DC
Mid-Air Collision Near Reagan Airport
Incident Details
A PSA Airline Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet, operating as Flight 5342 for American Airlines, collided mid-air with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter. The collision occurred while the jet was approaching runway 22 at Reagan Washington National Airport around 9 pm local time. The aircraft, which had departed from Wichita, Kansas, crashed into the Potomac River near the airport.
Emergency Response
Fireboats and emergency teams are on the scene, actively engaged in rescue and recovery operations. The D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services confirmed the incident, stating, "Confirmed small aircraft down in Potomac River vicinity Reagan National Airport. Fireboats on scene."
Impact on Airport Operations
Reagan Airport officials have halted all takeoffs and landings at the airport, although the terminal remains open. Emergency personnel are responding to the incident on the airfield.
Statements from Officials
US Vice President urged citizens to pray for those involved, saying, "Please say a prayer for everyone involved in the mid-air collision near Reagan airport this evening. We're monitoring the situation, but for now let's hope for the best." Senator Ted Cruz mentioned that there were known fatalities, though the exact number is not yet confirmed. He stated, "I am closely monitoring the situation at DCA, and I will receive a briefing from the FAA tomorrow. While we don't yet know how many on board were lost, we know there are fatalities. Please join Heidi and me in praying for all involved as the search and rescue is underway."
Ongoing Investigation
US law enforcement officials have indicated that further updates will be provided once the cause of the crash is determined.
Doubts Revealed
PSA Airline
PSA Airline is a regional airline in the United States. It operates flights for American Airlines under the American Eagle brand. It's like a smaller airline that helps bigger airlines by flying shorter routes.
Bombardier CRJ700
The Bombardier CRJ700 is a type of airplane used for carrying passengers. It's a small jet that can fly short to medium distances, like from one city to another nearby city.
Sikorsky H-60
The Sikorsky H-60 is a type of helicopter. It's often used by the military and can carry people and equipment. It's like a flying vehicle that can hover and land in small spaces.
Reagan Washington National Airport
Reagan Washington National Airport is an airport near Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States. It's a place where airplanes take off and land, similar to airports in India like Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi.
Potomac River
The Potomac River is a large river in the United States. It flows through Washington, D.C., and is an important waterway, much like the Ganges River in India.
US Vice President
The US Vice President is the second-highest leader in the United States government. They help the President and can take over if the President can't do their job.
Senator Ted Cruz
Senator Ted Cruz is a politician in the United States. He is a member of the US Senate, which is like a group of leaders who help make laws for the country.
US law enforcement officials
US law enforcement officials are people who work to keep the country safe. They include police officers and investigators who find out what happened in accidents or crimes.
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