In a tragic incident in Washington D.C., near Reagan National Airport, an American Airlines flight collided mid-air with a helicopter. Following the collision, both aircraft plunged into the river, resulting in a recovery of 19 bodies so far. Search and rescue operations are currently underway.
Reports state that, unfortunately, no survivors have been rescued yet. The airplane had 64 passengers on board, while the military helicopter carried three personnel.
The incident took place as the plane was preparing to land. An approaching U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter collided with it, leading both to crash into the Potomac River. The helicopter involved was a Sirosky H-60 model.
This small passenger plane had a capacity of 65 seats and reportedly carried 60 passengers at the time of the accident. It was en route from Kansas to Washington.
The airline company has confirmed through a statement that the American Eagle flight 5342, operated by PSA, was traveling from Kansas to Washington's Reagan National Airport before it crashed.
U.S. Senator Ted Cruz mentioned there have been fatalities, though the exact number of passengers remains unknown. Meanwhile, flight operations at the airport have come to a halt.
President Trump Closely Monitoring the Situation
D.C. police confirmed that the helicopter involved was not part of the Metropolitan Police Department. Washington D.C. Senator Jerry Moran mentioned receiving news about the crash of a plane arriving from Kansas.
Source: aajtak
President Donald Trump has been briefed about the incident. According to a White House statement, President Trump expressed his condolences over the dreadful event at Reagan National Airport, praying for the souls of the departed as he continues to monitor the situation closely.
