In a tragic turn of events on Wednesday evening, a small commercial airliner and a military helicopter collided midair and crashed into the Potomac River near Reagan National Airport, as confirmed by D.C. Fire and EMS.

The aircraft, identified as a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet operating Flight 5342 for American Airlines, was carrying approximately 60 passengers and four crew members. The helicopter involved was a Sikorsky H-60, although the number of occupants remains unknown at this time. The collision occurred while the airliner was on approach to Runway 33 at Reagan Washington National Airport around 9 p.m. local time.

Eyewitnesses captured the moment of impact on video, showing a bright flash illuminating the night sky upon collision. The severity of the crash prompted a massive emergency response, with fireboats deployed in the water and various emergency agencies mobilizing to the scene. Metropolitan Police Department officers are on-site, along with fire departments from across the region staging at Gravelly Point north of the airport.

President Donald Trump has been briefed on the video footage capturing the collision, as reported by the White House. While the cause of the incident remains under investigation, a senior FBI official from the Washington Field Office confirmed that there is no indication of criminal or terrorist involvement at this time.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a ground stop at Reagan National Airport, halting all takeoffs and landings in the wake of the tragedy. Both the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will conduct a thorough investigation into the crash, with the NTSB taking the lead.

As this story continues to develop, stay tuned for further updates as more information becomes available. The community and aviation industry alike are left reeling from the aftermath of this devastating accident, underscoring the importance of air safety and the swift response of emergency services in times of crisis.