NEW: Officials Hold Press Conference After Mid-Air Collision Near Reagan Airport

Officials in Washington, D.C. held a press conference around 1 AM Thursday morning to address the mid-air collision between an American Airlines regional jet and an Army UH-60 helicopter at approximately 9 PM Wednesday night. According to reports from DC police scanner traffic, at least 18 bodies have been recovered from the Potomac River.

Before the press conference, it was noted that the helicopter was found overturned and submerged in the Potomac River, while the fuselage of the American Airlines jet was visible above the waterline.

Washington D.C. Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly said there are about 300 responders working the incident and multiple fire and police boats on scene and that the windy and cold conditions are “extremely rough” for responders. The water is about 8 feet deep, Donnelly explained, and icy. Donnelly would not give any casualty numbers, and said they hoped to find survivors but had not located any yet.

Prior to the news conference, officials announced that Reagan National Airport would be closed until 5 AM Friday morning.

Playback purportedly from the official Air Traffic Control radar was shared on X:

According to Rawsalerts’ source:

This alert is not for an imminent collision but serves as a tool to draw heightened attention from the controllers to potential risks. The footage then captures the critical moment when both aircraft collided, emphasizing the urgency of the controllers’ split-second decisions. The radar data provides a detailed view of the events leading up to the crash, offering valuable insight into the sequence of actions and how the situation ultimately unfolded.

American Airlines CEO Robert Isom released a video statement late Wednesday about the crash:

Watch the news conference below:

      

You May Also Like
Devour Feculence! ‘Severance’s Tramell Tillman Breaks Down Milchick’s Cathartic Confrontation With Mr. Drummond

Breaking down the cathartic confrontation between Milchick and Mr. Drummond in ‘Severance’ with Tramell Tillman

From the challenging gift he received from The Board in Episode 3…
SC Rep. Nancy Mace Accused a Man of Sexual Abuse in House Floor Speech. Now, He Is Suing for Defamation.

SC Rep. Nancy Mace Faces Defamation Lawsuit After Accusing Man of Sexual Abuse on House Floor

Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) is being sued by one of the men she…
"It's time." Ellen Pompeo tackles her first major role since 'Grey's Anatomy'

Ellen Pompeo stars in her first big project since ‘Grey’s Anatomy’

Ellen Pompeo, known for her role in “Grey’s Anatomy,” is shifting gears…
Couple holds wedding ceremony at Maywood Loyola University Medical Center after groom diagnosed with leukemia, cancer

Couple weds at Maywood Loyola University Medical Center following groom’s leukemia diagnosis

CHICAGO (WLS) — A suburban couple planned for Friday to be a…
A SEPTA positive vibes trolley spreads affirming messages to its riders

A trolley from SEPTA shares positive messages to uplift its passengers.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — If you’ve ever taken the Route 36 trolley through…
More than 50 universities face federal investigations as part of Trump's anti-DEI campaign

Over 50 universities under federal scrutiny due to Trump’s efforts against diversity, equity, and inclusion

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s efforts to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion…
Bonnie Blue sparks outrage after landing five-figure endorsement deal with software company

Bonnie Blue creates controversy by signing lucrative sponsorship deal with tech firm

Bonnie Blue is going from the bedroom to the boardroom. The notorious…
Ross Mathews Scolds Drew Barrymore For Not Showering After An Ocean Swim: “Have You Heard Where They Drain The Sewage?!”

Ross Mathews scolds Drew Barrymore for not showering after swimming in the ocean, expressing concern about the sewage drainage in the area.

Ross Mathews was utterly stunned to hear that his bestie Drew Barrymore…
Tiger Woods' iconic rise to be turned into a movie... but Vanessa Trump romance could jeopardize project

Upcoming Movie on Tiger Woods’ Inspirational Journey Threatened by Vanessa Trump Relationship

Tiger Woods is reportedly getting the Hollywood treatment with the golf legend’s…
US Circuit Court Grudgingly Halts Judge's Order Blocking Trump EO Banning DEI

Court Reluctantly Stops Judge’s Ruling Pausing Trump’s DEI Ban

Over the weekend, the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals made a temporary…
The TRUTH behind Meghan's 'recommissioned' second Netflix series, according to the Mail's Royal experts

Insight into Meghan’s renewed second Netflix series, as explained by the Royal experts at The Mail

Despite being panned by critics as ‘toe-curling’ and ‘an exercise in narcissism’,…
Illegal immigrant with multiple DWI, theft convictions deported again: ICE

ICE deports illegal immigrant for multiple DWI and theft convictions

Maybe the fifth time’s the charm.  A woman from Mexico, who had…