Jan. 29 (UPI) — An American Airlines jet with 64 aboard collided with a Sikorsky H-60 Army helicopter with three soldiers on approach to Reagan Washington National Airport and crashed into the Potomac River on Wednesday night.
In a joint statement with DC Fire and MPD, police said “there are no confirmed casualties at this time.” CNN reported that a portion of the plane is in the winter.
“Search and rescue efforts are underway in the Potomac River,” Edward Kelly, the general president of the International Association of Fire Fighters said on X. “They’re doing everything they can to bring survivors to safety. Our prayers are with everyone affected.”
American Eagle flight 5342, operated by PSA, departed from Wichita, Kan., was on approach to Runway 33 around 8:30 p.m. when it crashed with the military plane. The plane was a Bombardier CRJ twin-engine plane.
American Airlines told CNN there were 60 passengers and four crew on the jet.
All takeoffs and landings were halted at the airport. “Emergency personnel are responding to an aircraft incident on the airfield. The terminal remains open,” Reagan National Airport said on social media.
The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation with the Federal Aviation Administration.
President Donald Trump said in a statement: “I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport. May God bless their souls. Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details at they arrive.”
Vice President JD Vance said he was also monitoring the situation.
“Please say a prayer for everyone involved in the mid-air collision near Reagan airport this evening,” he said on X. “We’re monitoring the situation, but for now, let’s hope for the best.”
Both senators from Kansas posted on X,
“Learning that a plane inbound from Kansas was involved in a crash at DCA. I am in contact with authorities,” Kansas Sen. Jerry Moran posted. “Please join me in praying for all involved.”
“We are in contact with authorities working to get answers,” the other Kansas asenator, Roger Marshall posted. “We ask you to join us in prayer for every single passenger and their families.”
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said it raised its Emergency Operations Center to “enhanced” status in support.
He posted on X that Maryland State Police have “have deployed divers to the scene to assist with rescue missions”.
There are no restrictions at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport