In a devastating incident near Washington, D.C., an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter collided mid-air, plunging into the icy waters of the Potomac River. The collision occurred on Wednesday night near Reagan Washington National Airport. Rescue teams have so far recovered 18 bodies from the crash site.

The passenger jet was carrying 64 individuals, including 60 passengers and four crew members, while the helicopter had three soldiers on board. The identities of the victims have not yet been released, as authorities are in the process of notifying next of kin.

Family members awaiting arrivals at the airport expressed frustration over the lack of information. Many reported receiving more updates from news outlets than from official channels. One distraught relative shared, “She texted me that she was landing in 20 minutes. The rest of my text didn’t… did not get delivered. That’s when I realized that something might be up. I’m just praying that someone is pulling her out of the river right now.

The U.S. Army confirmed that the helicopter involved was a UH-60 Black Hawk from Fort Belvoir, Virginia. The cause of the collision remains under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and other relevant agencies.

This tragic event is reminiscent of the 1982 Air Florida Flight 90 disaster, where a passenger plane crashed into the 14th Street Bridge over the Potomac River, resulting in 74 fatalities. The recent incident underscores ongoing concerns about aviation safety, despite advancements in technology and protocols.

As the investigation unfolds, authorities are urging anyone with information or who may have witnessed the collision to come forward. The focus remains on recovering the remaining victims, providing support to grieving families, and determining the factors that led to this heartbreaking accident.