President Donald Trump expressed deep sorrow following a devastating mid-air collision between an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River. Speaking from the White House, President Trump called the incident a “tragedy of terrible proportions” and offered condolences to the victims’ families.
“I speak to you this morning in an hour of anguish for our nation. Just before 9 pm last night, an American Airlines regional jet carrying 60 passengers and four crew collided with an Army Black Hawk helicopter carrying three military service members over the Potomac River in Washington, DC, while on final approach to Reagan National Airport. Both aircraft crashed instantly and were immediately submerged into the icy waters of the Potomac.”
“On behalf of the first lady, myself, and 340 million Americans, Our hearts are shattered alongside yours,” the president added.
#WATCH | Washington DC plane crash | US President Donald Trump says, ” I speak to you this morning in an hour of anguish for our nation. Just before 9 pm last night, an American Airlines regional jet carrying 60 passengers and four crew collided with an Army Black Hawk helicopter… pic.twitter.com/O1IreLOCTZ
— ANI (@ANI) January 30, 2025
President Trump praised the swift action of first responders, including local, state, and federal agencies, as well as the U.S. Coast Guard. He acknowledged the international scope of the tragedy, noting that passengers from multiple countries were on board.
“The massive search and rescue mission was underway throughout the night, leveraging every asset at our disposal. And I have to say, the local, state, federal, military, including the United States Coast Guard in particular, they’ve done a phenomenal job. So quick, so fast, it was mobilized immediately,” the President said.
The collision happened just before 9 p.m. as the passenger jet was preparing to land. Witnesses described a fiery explosion before both aircraft plunged into the icy waters of the Potomac. A large-scale emergency response was immediately launched, with search and rescue teams working through the night. Despite their efforts, authorities confirmed that no one survived, shifting the operation to recovery.
