A quiet evening turned tragic last night when an American Airlines jet and a Black Hawk helicopter collided midair over Washington, D.C. Both aircraft crashed into the Potomac River near Reagan National Airport, leaving rescue teams scrambling to save lives as the city watched in disbelief.
A Race to Find Survivors
Five personnel were on board the military helicopter, compared to 60 passengers, including crew, on the passenger flight. Divers and rescue boats raced to the site and dragged people out of the icy water. Although authorities are still trying to verify the exact number of fatalities, reports point to several.
How Did This Happen?
Answers are already being sought by investigators. Air traffic control tapes and flight data are being examined by the FAA and NTSB in an effort to determine what caused the incident. There has been no confirmation yet, but some experts think a communication glitch might be the cause.
Flight Chaos at Reagan Airport
Flight cancellations and significant delays resulted from the shutdown of Reagan National Airport for several hours following the collision. Travelers are being advised to confirm the status of their flights even though the airport has reopened.
A City in Shock
The crash has left the D.C. community reeling. Many residents gathered near the riverbanks, anxiously watching rescue efforts. Social media is flooded with messages of support and prayers for the victims and their families. “It’s heartbreaking,” one local said. “We’re all hoping for some good news, but this is devastating.”
