Plane and Helicopter Collide Near Washington, D.C.
Hi friends! Some serious news to share today. A passenger plane and a U.S. Army helicopter collided in the sky near Washington, D.C., and both crashed into the Potomac River. This happened on Wednesday night near the Reagan Washington National Airport.
The plane, operated by American Airlines, had 64 people on board. That includes 60 passengers—people like you and me—and four crew members who work on the plane. The helicopter, called a Black Hawk, had three soldiers on board.
Right now, rescue teams are working hard to find and help any survivors. Divers are searching the cold, snowy river, and fire boats are there to assist too. It’s a tough job because it’s dark and freezing outside.
Important people like the President and the Secretary of Defense have said they’re watching what’s happening and will help if needed. The Federal Aviation Administration (that’s the group that looks after airplane safety) has stopped all flights at the airport for now to make sure everyone stays safe.
Many people are wondering how this could happen. Planes and helicopters have special technology to help them avoid each other, and there are people called air traffic controllers who help guide them. The sky over Washington, D.C., is usually busy with lots of planes and helicopters flying around.
Our thoughts are with everyone involved, and we hope the rescue teams can help as many people as possible.
Reference(s):
Plane carrying over 60 collides with helicopter, crashes in Washington
cgtn.com
