President Trump holds a press conference regarding the disastrous collision.
UPDATE Jan 30th, 4:10 PM EST
The Federal Aviation Administration released an initial report indicating that the air traffic control tower staffing at Reagan National Airport was “not normal.”
The air traffic controller managing helicopters was also reportedly directing planes that were taking off and landing. Those roles are usually assigned to different controllers rather than one handling both. In communicating with helicopters and jets, two different radio frequencies may be used, resulting in the pilots of the craft not hearing each other.
UPDATE Jan 30th, 11:50 AM EST
President Donald Trump held a press conference at the White House late Thursday morning. He was joined by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Vice President JD Vance.
The president held a moment of silence for the 64 passengers of the airliner and the 3 soldiers who perished in the crash, and offered condolences to the families who lost loved ones. He then said that the aircraft should not have been flying at the same level and an investigation will be made to determine how the collision occurred.
UPDATE Jan 30th, 9:45 AM EST
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Washington, D.C. Fire Department Chief John Donnelly gave a briefing Thursday morning regarding the aircraft collision. The rescue attempt has become a recovery effort.
“We don’t think there are any survivors from this accident,” Chief Donnelly stated. “We have recovered 27 people from the plane and one from the helicopter.”
“The district office of the medical examiner has lead on reuniting these bodies and these people, with their loved ones,” he added. “And we will continue to work to find all the bodies and collect them. and reunite them with their loved ones.”
The airliner was carrying several skaters, coaches, and their families returning from the 2025 U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas.
The fire chief reported that roughly 300 first responders are at work in the 8-foot-deep river. Reagan National Airport will be closed until 5 AM Friday.
UPDATE Jan 29th, 11:10 PM EST
President Donald Trump stated, “I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport. May God bless their souls. Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise.“
UPDATE Jan 29th, 10:30 PM EST
Late Wednesday, a mid-air collision occurred between a military helicopter and a commercial passenger jet over the Potomac River near Washington D.C.
The FAA has confirmed that American Airlines flight 5342 was attempting to land at Reagan National Airport. Reports indicate up to 60 people may have been on board.
The helicopter has been confirmed to be a UH-60 Blackhawk military helicopter after the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police clarified it was not one of their own.
Authorities have issued a ground stop for Reagan National Airport. All air traffic is being impacted and DC Fire and EMS confirmed that emergency teams are on the scene, including fireboats, working to secure the area and recover victims.
More details are expected to come, but the first priority of local officials is search and rescue as a massive emergency response is underway.
Vice President released a statement on X, “Please say a prayer for everyone involved in the mid-air collision near Reagan airport this evening. We’re monitoring the situation, but for now let’s hope for the best.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For the safe rescue and recovery of the pilots and passengers involved in this crash.
- For state and local leaders as they work to coordinate rescue efforts.
- For safety for all first responders who are participating in the recovery effort.
- For the Lord to comfort the families who lost loved ones in the collision.
Sources: Fox5-DC News, X, DC Fire and EMS, MSNBC News, FAA, NY Times
