Two Chinese citizens killed in U.S. aircraft collision, says embassy

A police boat collects wreckage along the Potomac River after American Airlines flight 5342 crashed into the river following a collision with a U.S. Army helicopter near Washington, D.C., U.S., January 30, 2025. /VCG

Two Chinese citizens were killed in an aircraft collision in Washington, D.C., according to preliminary information, the Chinese embassy to the United States told China Media Group on Thursday.

The collision occurred on Wednesday night near Reagan National Airport between American Airlines Flight 5342, which had 60 passengers and four crew members on board, and a Black Hawk helicopter carrying three U.S. Army soldiers.