'Mass casualty incident': Video emerges of mid-air explosion that shut down DC airport

29 January

The Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington D.C. has been temporarily shut down after an apparent explosion involving two aircraft.

According to Arlington, Virginia-based ARLNow.com, a "large emergency response" has been mobilized near the airport, and first responders are currently searching for victims. ARLNow reported that the explosion stemmed from a crash involving a helicopter and a regional jet, and has been "deemed a mass casualty incident."

"All takeoffs and landings have been halted at DCA. Emergency personnel are responding to an aircraft incident on the airfield," the D.C. airport's verified account tweeted on Wednesday night. "The terminal remains open. Will update."

Reuters editor Gerry Doyle posted confirmation of the crash to Bluesky, writing that the Washington D.C. Fire Department confirmed a "small aircraft" was down in the Potomac River. ABC 7 reported that fireboats were on the scene following the crash.

“I am following the response to a reported aviation incident at DCA, and am in touch with airport officials as we try to learn more about what happened and why,” Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) stated. “This is obviously very worrying, but I urge the community to please let first responders do their jobs and save lives.”

Journalist Alejandro Alvarez obtained video from the Kennedy Center's security camera footage that appears to show the explosion as it happened. Watch the footage below, or by clicking this link.

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