LIVE: DC airplane crash close to Reagan Nationwide Airport

WASHINGTON – A multi-agency search and rescue operation is underway within the Potomac River after a small American Airways plane collided with an Military helicopter close to Reagan Nationwide Airport, authorities confirmed.

Aircraft crash close to DCA

What we all know:

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that the midair collision occurred round 9 p.m. ET when American Airways flight 5342, arriving from Wichita, Kansas, struck the navy Blackhawk helicopter whereas approaching the airport runway. 

The jet, a Canadian-made Bombardier CRJ-701 twin-engine plane, was at an altitude of roughly 400 ft and touring at about 140 miles per hour when it instantly misplaced altitude over the Potomac River. American Airways confirmed that 60 passengers and 4 crew members had been on the plane, whereas three troopers are believed to have been on the helicopter – which was on a coaching mission. 

Emergency responders, together with DC Fireplace and EMS, the Metropolitan Police Division, and a number of federal companies, are coordinating restoration efforts within the river.

Throughout an early morning press convention, Fireplace and EMS Chief John A. Donnelly, Sr. stated that 300 first responders are serving to on the rescue web site, and that they’re coping with windy, uneven situations, and chilly water. 

FOX 5 meteorologist Mike Thomas reported that water temperatures within the Potomac River close to the crash web site had been roughly 35.4 levels Fahrenheit on the time of the incident. In accordance with the Nationwide Climate Service, people uncovered to such temperatures might lose consciousness inside 10 to fifteen minutes.

President Trump responds

What they’re saying:

White Home Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that President Trump has been briefed on the crash and that officers will proceed to supply updates because the search-and-rescue operation unfolds.

“I’ve been absolutely briefed on the horrible accident which simply passed off at Reagan Nationwide Airport. Could God Bless their souls,” Trump stated in a press release. “Thanks for the unimaginable work being performed by our first responders. I’m monitoring the state of affairs and can present extra particulars as they come up.”

The president additionally took to Reality Social to invest on the reason for the crash: “The airplane was on an ideal and routine line of strategy to the airport. The helicopter was going straight on the airplane for an prolonged time frame. It’s a CLEAR NIGHT. The lights on the airplane had been blazing. Why didn’t the helicopter go up or down, or flip? Why didn’t the management tower inform the helicopter what to do as an alternative of asking in the event that they noticed the airplane? It is a unhealthy state of affairs that appears prefer it ought to have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!”

Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas known as the incident “nothing in need of a nightmare.” In a press release, he urged the general public to hope for these affected.

“There aren’t any phrases that may make telling this story any simpler,” Marshall stated. “I ask the world to affix me in praying for Kansas this night, the primary responders, rescue crews, and all these concerned on this horrific accident.”

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran shared an replace by way of X, stating: “Studying {that a} airplane inbound from Kansas was concerned in a crash at DCA. I’m in touch with authorities. Please be part of me in praying for all concerned.”

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser additionally addressed the tragedy, saying her prayers “are with everybody concerned.”

The Blackhawk helicopter concerned within the crash was reportedly based mostly at Fort Belvoir in Virginia, in accordance with a protection official talking on situation of anonymity.

The collision occurred in among the most tightly managed airspace on the planet, simply over three miles south of the White Home and U.S. Capitol. 

FAA officers famous that air visitors controllers had requested flight 5342’s pilots if they might land on the shorter Runway 33 at Reagan Nationwide Airport, and the crew confirmed they might. Monitoring information confirmed the jet adjusting its strategy earlier than impression.

Following the crash, the FAA prolonged the closure of Washington Reagan Nationwide Airport till 11 a.m. Thursday.  

Protection Secretary Pete Hegseth, who was sworn in simply days in the past, acknowledged that the Division of Protection is “actively monitoring” the state of affairs, whereas newly appointed Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated he’s “intently monitoring the state of affairs” from FAA headquarters.

The Metropolitan Police Division stated it obtained a number of calls reporting the crash round 8:53 p.m.

MPD’s helicopter was not concerned within the crash however is aiding in coordinating the response. 

Are there any victims? 

What we do not know:

Up to now, authorities imagine no less than 67 individuals had been concerned in Wednesday’s crash. Nevertheless, not one of the victims have been recognized on both plane. The precise explanation for the crash can also be being investigated by the Nationwide Transportation Security Board. 

Fireboats are on scene, and additional updates will comply with as authorities proceed to work on the restoration operation. It is unclear, in the intervening time, how lengthy it would take crews to undergo the wreckage and retrieve all of the individuals aboard the airplane and the navy helicopter.

It is a growing story. Test again for updates.