Jet and army helicopter collide near Washington, killing 67 passengers

A jetliner carrying 60 passengers and four crew members collided with a U.S. Army helicopter near Ronald Reagan National Airport, sending both aircraft into the Potomac River and killing all 67 people on board. Three soldiers were aboard the helicopter.

The crash occurred around 9 p.m. Wednesday in one of the world’s most restricted airspaces, just over three miles from the White House and U.S. Capitol. Search-and-rescue efforts overnight have now shifted to recovery, officials confirmed Thursday.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the midair collision, which marks the deadliest U.S. aviation disaster in nearly 25 years. At least 28 bodies have been recovered so far.

President Donald Trump confirmed the fatalities, while Washington, D.C., Fire Chief John Donnelly stated that the focus is now on recovering victims and determining what led to the crash.