A Blackhawk military helicopter and an American Airlines passenger plane carrying 60 passengers have collided in the skies above a key airport tonight and it is feared multiple people have died. It has seen the immediate shutdown of all runways and the suspension of all flights at the DCA Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport near the US capital.
The Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) has confirmed the mid-air collision involving American Airlines Flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines, and a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter during its approach to Reagan National. An Army official has now verified that one of their Blackhawks was involved in the horrific crash.
NBC has reported that around 60 passengers and four crew members were aboard the American Airlines flight, with rescuers searching for survivors in the chilly waters of the Potomac River so far. Reports indicate that three soldiers were traveling on the doomed Blackhawk.
While the extent of casualties remains uncertain at present, US Senator Ted Cruz expressed his deep concern, stating: “While we don’t yet know how many on board were lost, we know there are fatalities.”
The DC Police Department announced: “MPD is responding to an apparent air crash in the Potomac River. Multiple agencies are responding.”
According to footage secured by an observation camera situated at the Kennedy Center nearby, two sets of lights, suggestive of aircraft, were seen merging into a fireball. Amidst the chaos, the airport released a statement affirming that emergency teams were hastily responding to “an aircraft incident on the airfield.”
Onlookers have described the plane being visibly split in two, while lying in the river.
American Airlines released a statement saying: “We’re aware of reports that American Eagle flight 5342, operated by PSA, with service from Wichita, Kansas (ICT) to Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA) has been involved in an incident. We will provide information as it becomes available.”
President Donald Trump said he had been “fully briefed on this terrible accident” and, referring to the passengers, added, “May God Bless their souls.”
A rescue operation was underway, with inflatable rescue boats being launched into the river near the airport.
Reports indicated that victims had been found by a rescue boat. The DC Fire Department ignited social media with an alarming tweet, revealing that a collision had taken place around 9pm local time, with a small aircraft plunging into the water.
Authorities raced to the site as fireboats and a host of agencies, including the Metropolitan Police Department, swooped in to tackle the emergency. The DC Fire and EMS didn’t hesitate to confirm: “Confirmed small aircraft down in Potomac River vicinity Reagan National Airport. Fireboats on scene.”
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