A commercial regional jet crashed in the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington on Wednesday night after it collided midair with a Black Hawk helicopter while approaching the airport, The New York Time newspaper quoted officials as saying on Thursday.
The Federal Aviation Administration said that an American Airlines flight from Wichita, Kan., had crashed on Wednesday evening, and Washington’s fire emergency department said it had crashed into the river.
An Army official said that the helicopter, an H-60 Black Hawk, was one of its own and was flying with three crew members. He could not confirm their condition.
All takeoffs and landings were halted at the airport, the airport said in a statement, adding that it would remain closed until 5 a.m. Thursday.
Pete Hegseth, the newly confirmed defense secretary, said on X that the Pentagon is “actively monitoring” the situation, according to media reports.
“Poised to assist if needed. Prayers for all involved,” he added.
