According to multiple reports out of the nation’s capital, a commercial plane and a helicopter collided in mid-air at the Kennedy Center on Wednesday night.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News that “President Trump has been made aware of this situation and tragically it appears that a military helicopter collided with a regional jet.”
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Initial reports from the airport indicate that the jet was carrying 60 passengers, and a casualty staging area has been established.
Police scanner says they are setting up a “casualty collection area” after an incident at DCA airport.
— Katie Pavlich (@KatiePavlich) January 30, 2025
“All takeoffs and landings have been halted at DCA,” the airport said in a statement on X. “Emergency personnel are responding to an aircraft incident on the airfield. The terminal remains open.”
Multiple agencies are responding to the incident, which took place over the Potomac, and officials are saying fireboats are on the scene.
Senator Jerry Moran of Kansas posted a statement on X, saying he was made aware of a flight from Wichita, Kansas that crashed.
“Learning that a plane inbound from Kansas was involved in a crash at DCA,” his statement read. “I am in contact with authorities. Please join me in praying for all involved.”
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the incident, as well.
“A PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet collided in midair with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while on approach to Runway 33 at Reagan Washington National Airport around 9 p.m. local time,” the statement read. “PSA was operating as Flight 5342 for American Airlines. It departed from Wichita, Kansas.”
The agency also noted that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will take the lead in investigating what happened.
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“The FAA and NTSB will investigate,” it continued. “The NTSB will lead the investigation. We will provide updates as information comes in.”
There is also video circulating of the event, as well as the emergency response efforts.
VIDEO from the Kennedy Center in Washington DC caught the crash in mid-air. So far at least six reported casualties. pic.twitter.com/XdJiAn3l4Q
— DMV News Live (@DCNewsLive) January 30, 2025
🚨 Video of the response to the DC aircraft crash into the Potomac River in Washington DC, (near Reagan National Airport) which has reportedly left at least three people dead. 🚨 pic.twitter.com/szpE6JcSXP
— DMV News Live (@DCNewsLive) January 30, 2025
This is a developing story. We will update this article as more information becomes available. RedState remains committed to providing updated news and opinion that matters to our audience. You can also get updated news by downloading the THM News app.
