A terrifying midair collision between a passenger plane and a US Army helicopter has sparked a massive search for survivors near Reagan National Airport outside Washington, DC. The incident happened Wednesday night, with both aircraft crashing into the freezing Potomac River.

Emergency teams are working around the clock in the chilly waters to locate anyone who might have survived. Reports confirm there have been fatalities, though the exact number remains unclear. The passenger plane, American Airlines Flight 5342, carried 64 people, while the Army helicopter had three soldiers on board.

The plane, a Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet, was flying from Wichita, Kansas, to Reagan National Airport. It collided with the Blackhawk helicopter just before landing. According to officials, the helicopter was on a training mission at the time.

Flight records show the plane was due to land around 9 p.m. local time, but emergency calls about the crash came in at 8:53 p.m. The impact left both aircraft falling into the Potomac, prompting an urgent response from local and national law enforcement agencies.

Rescue crews are facing brutal conditions as they search the river. With water temperatures hovering around 35 degrees, the risk of hypothermia is high. Experts say sudden immersion in such cold water can cause immediate shock, with survival times ranging from 30 to 90 minutes.

President Donald Trump has been briefed on the situation and expressed his condolences, thanking first responders for their efforts. Vice President JD Vance also asked for prayers for those involved, calling the incident a “terrible accident.”

All takeoffs and landings at Reagan National Airport have been halted as investigations continue. American Airlines has set up a hotline for families and loved ones of those on the flight.

This tragic event may become one of the deadliest air disasters in decades involving a US passenger plane. As the search continues, authorities are piecing together what led to this devastating collision.