Key Takeaways:

• A passenger jet and a military helicopter collided near Reagan National Airport.
• All takeoffs and landings have been halted at the airport due to the incident.
• Emergency services are conducting search and rescue operations in the Potomac River.
• President Trump has been briefed on the situation, and authorities are investigating the cause.

In a shocking incident on Wednesday night, a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 passenger jet collided with a Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk helicopter while attempting to land at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport near D.C. The collision, occurring just before 9 PM, has prompted a significant emergency response, with all flights grounded at the airport. According to the FAA, the commercial aircraft was en route from Wichita, Kansas, with approximately 64 people aboard, including 60 passengers and four crew members.

The military helicopter, reported to have three personnel on board, did not carry any senior officials at the time of the incident. Emergency services, including the D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services, have been actively engaged in search and rescue operations in the Potomac River, where the aircraft was reported to have been downed. Multiple agencies, including local police, are also responding to the situation, as detailed by USA Today.

The Reagan National Airport confirmed via social media that “all takeoffs and landings have been halted,” as emergency personnel continue to assess and control the situation. Despite the significant incident, the terminal itself remains open. The airport stated it’s closely monitoring developments as authorities conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the collision, led by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt confirmed that President Donald Trump is aware of the event, noting that his thoughts and prayers are with those affected. Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas expressed deep concern over the situation, urging prayers for the victims and their families as authorities seek clarity on the unfolding events. As more information becomes available, the situation continues to develop.

This incident marks a rare but serious event at Reagan National Airport, which has a history of accidents but has not seen a major crash since the Air Florida tragedy in 1982. Authorities are expected to provide further updates as the investigation progresses.