Washington Air Disaster Leaves 18 Dead After Plane-Helicopter Collision

Deadly Incident in Restricted Airspace

A horrifying aviation accident occurred near Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday evening, resulting in at least 18 fatalities, according to a police official cited by CBS News.

Flight and Passenger Information

FAA reports indicate that the ill-fated passenger aircraft was a PSA Airlines-operated Bombardier CRJ700, designated as Flight 5342 for American Airlines. It had originally departed from Wichita, Kansas. The aircraft’s listed capacity is 65 passengers.

It has been confirmed that 64 passengers and four crew members were aboard the jet, while three military personnel occupied the involved helicopter.

Rescue Teams Mobilized

Authorities, including multiple emergency response units, were dispatched to the Potomac River to search for survivors. As of late Wednesday, officials had not provided a comprehensive casualty report.