Trump reacts to mid-air collision between US Army helicopter and passenger plane

 The U.S. Army confirmed that the Black Hawk helicopter was on a training flight with a crew of three soldiers, all of whom are presumed to have perished. The passenger jet carried 60 passengers and four crew members.

The collision triggered an extensive search-and-rescue operation involving over 300 responders. Inflatable boats scoured the Potomac River, and air traffic at Reagan National was suspended indefinitely. Authorities described the operation as "highly complex," with ongoing efforts to locate additional victims and survivors.

Air traffic recordings captured the tense moments leading up to the accident. Controllers repeatedly instructed the helicopter to maintain a safe distance from the jet, with audible reactions in the control tower as the collision unfolded. Witnesses from nearby aircraft reported seeing flares and debris scattering across the river.