Tragic Collision of Passenger Plane and Military Helicopter in Washington Claims 67 Lives
A catastrophic midair collision between a passenger plane and a military helicopter in Washington D.C. on Wednesday resulted in the deaths of all 67 individuals on board. The incident involved American Airlines flight 5342, which was a Bombardier CRJ-700 carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, and a military Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk helicopter occupied by three service members.
The collision occurred over the Potomac River at approximately 8:48 PM local time while the plane was making its final approach to Ronald Reagan Airport. Eyewitness reports indicated that the helicopter veered dangerously close to the aircraft before the impact, causing both to explode in midair. Emergency teams recovered 28 bodies from the plane and one from the helicopter, confirming that no survivors emerged from the wreckage.
American Airlines expressed its condolences and stated that it is cooperating with investigation efforts, while President Donald Trump commented on the tragedy, stating it "seemed avoidable" given the clear weather conditions and routine approach procedure. A joint investigation by civil and military authorities is underway to determine the accident's cause.
