Deadly Collision Between American Airlines Flight and Black Hawk Helicopter in Washington

A deadly mid-air collision occurred Wednesday night, January 29th, over Washington, D.C., involving a regional American Airlines flight and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter. At least 30 bodies have been recovered from the Potomac River, though officials have not confirmed the exact death toll. No survivors have been found.

The crash occurred around 9:00 p.m. local time, as American Airlines Flight 5342, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, collided with the helicopter, which was carrying three U.S. Army soldiers on a training flight. Several U.S. figure skaters were among the passengers. Russian nationals, including former world champion figure skaters Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, were also on board.

Search-and-rescue efforts, involving 300 responders, continue in freezing conditions. The FAA and NTSB are investigating the cause of the crash.

This is a developing story.