Trump: Plane Crash in Washington Should Have Been Avoided

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Trump stated the accident “should have been prevented”.
- At least 18 fatalities reported from the collision.
- The incident involved an American Airlines flight and a military helicopter.
- Ongoing search and rescue operations are being conducted.
- The FAA and NTSB are investigating the cause of the crash.
Washington, Jan 30 (NationPress) As the death toll from the tragic plane crash in Washington continues to escalate, US President Donald Trump stated that the incident “should have been prevented” and questioned the failure of authorities to direct the helicopter to change its course.
A mid-air collision over the Potomac River near Washington's Reagan National Airport has resulted in at least 18 fatalities, while rescue teams persist in their search for survivors. This catastrophic event involved American Airlines Flight 5342 and a Black Hawk military helicopter.
On his social media platform 'Truth Social', Trump remarked, “The airplane was on a perfect and routine line of approach to the airport. The helicopter was heading straight towards the airplane for an extended duration.”
“It is a clear night, the lights on the plane were blazing, why didn’t the helicopter ascend or descend, or make a turn? Why didn’t the control tower instruct the helicopter on what to do instead of merely inquiring if they saw the plane? This is a dire situation that appears to have been avoidable. Not good,”
he added.
“What a terrible night this has been. God bless you all!” Trump expressed in another post.
The military helicopter was transporting three soldiers when it collided with the regional passenger jet, which had 60 passengers and four crew members on board while approaching the airport for landing. As of now, no survivors have been located.
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) verified that the collision took place around 9 PM local time Wednesday. All takeoffs and landings at the airport were suspended while emergency teams operated at the crash site.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the Pentagon and the Army have initiated an immediate investigation into the crash. Describing the occurrence as “absolutely tragic,” he reported that search and rescue efforts are still underway and sent prayers for the victims and their families.
Previously, in a statement from the White House, Trump conveyed his concerns regarding the accident. He mentioned that he had been fully briefed on the matter, expressed gratitude to the first responders for their efforts, and assured that he was keeping a close watch on the developments.
The FAA confirmed that a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet, operating as Flight 5342 for American Airlines, was in approach to Runway 33 when it collided midair with a Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk helicopter. The National Transportation Safety Board is set to lead the investigation into the cause of the accident.
Emergency response teams, including the Metropolitan Police Department and the District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department, were rapidly deployed to conduct search and rescue operations. Boats are actively patrolling the Potomac River, searching for potential survivors.
Reagan National Airport updated its status on X, confirming that all takeoffs and landings had been suspended and that emergency personnel were responding to the incident. The airport terminal remained operational, with further updates expected.
Authorities have urged the public to steer clear of the area to facilitate emergency personnel in executing their duties effectively. Multiple agencies are collaborating to manage the crisis and provide assistance. Rescue operations are ongoing, and further updates are anticipated.