Plane, military helicopter collide over Washington

PanARMENIAN.Net - A midair collision over Washington occurred between an American Airlines plane and a military helicopter. The aircraft, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, crashed into the Potomac River. Three soldiers were aboard the helicopter.

The plane had departed from Wichita, Kansas, and was scheduled to land at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, according to the BBC.

Police said that 18 bodies have been recovered, but no official casualty count has been confirmed.

Authorities deployed approximately 300 rescuers to the crash site, working in difficult conditions due to strong winds and darkness. Police divers and rescue boats are engaged in the search operation, according to CBS News.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he had been informed of the "horrific crash" and thanked the rescuers for their "incredible work." He expressed condolences to the victims' families.

Kansas Senator Roger Marshall described the incident on X as "nothing short of a nightmare." He urged prayers for both the victims and the rescuers, calling on authorities to provide further details.

Following the crash, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) temporarily suspended all flights from Reagan Airport. Officials have pledged a thorough investigation, while American Airlines has yet to release any details.