Plane Collides with Helicopter and Crashes into Potomac River

The plane, a Bombardier regional jet operated by American Airlines subsidiary PSA Airlines, was approaching for landing after departing from Wichita, Kansas. It collided with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter carrying three soldiers, whose status is currently unknown.

Washington police reported that there were no confirmed casualties, though rescue operations are ongoing. According to The Washington Post, multiple bodies had been pulled from the river by authorities. The crash occurred at around 9:00 pm, and the search and rescue efforts were complicated by dark, near-freezing conditions on the water.

Witness Ari Schulman described seeing a "stream of sparks" and a bright yellow underside of the plane moments after the collision. "It looked like a Roman candle," he told CNN.

President Donald Trump expressed condolences, saying he had been briefed on the situation and prayed for the victims. “May God bless their souls,” he said.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the crash involved a mid-air collision between the plane and the Sikorsky UH-60 helicopter. Emergency teams, including US Coast Guard resources and fireboats, have been deployed to the scene.

Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas called the incident a "nightmare" and urged people to pray for those affected. He has been in contact with authorities and is seeking further information on the cause of the crash.