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A jet of passengers and a military helicopter crashed near Reagan National Airport outside Washington and plunged into the Potomac river, triggering a search for survivors in almost icy temperatures.
The regional flight, operated by PSA Airlines for American Airlines, was from Wichita, Kansas. Bombardier CRJ700 and a Black Hawk Black Hawk helicopter of the US military collided while the jet approached the airport around 9 p.m.
American Airlines, who has entirely PSA, said that American Eagle Flight 5342 carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, “was involved in an accident” in Reagan national. “Our concern is for passengers and the crew aboard the plane,” added the airline. “We are in contact with the authorities and helps emergency intervention efforts.”
Robert Isom, Managing Director of American Airlines, then published a video saying that he was going to Washington. “We want to learn everything we can about today’s events. This work will take time, “he said.
Officials would not confirm if there had been victims, and they did not confirm if people had been saved. Many are dead.
The Washington Metropolitan Police Department said on X that “a research and rescue operation for several agencies was underway” in the Potomac river while about 300 federal stakeholders, from the Columbia and State district survivors. They expected what they are working all night.
“We are going to be there as long as it takes, and we are obviously trying to go to people as soon as possible,” said the mayor of Washington, Muriel Bowser, at a press conference at the airport early Thursday . “We are going to collect our fellow citizens.”
An US defense official said there was a three crew on the helicopter but no higher staff. The Black Hawk was on a training flight, according to Heather Chairez, spokesperson for the National Capital Region of the Army.
A second defense official said that the helicopter crew status was unknown. The army said the Black Hawk operated in very Belvoir, Virginia, about 20 miles from the Pentagon.
“We work with local officials and provide additional information once it is available,” the army said in a statement.
In a statement, US President Donald Trump said he was “fully informed of the terrible accident”. Later, he posted on the crash on Truth Social, saying that it could have been prevented.
“The plane was on a perfect and routine airport routine line. The helicopter went directly to the plane for a long time. It’s a clear night, the lights of the plane flambé, why did the helicopter not mounted or lowered or returned, “he asked.
“Why didn’t the control tower say to the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane. This is a bad situation that seems to have been prevented. Not good !!! “Added Trump.
Pete Hegseth, Trump recently confirmed The defense secretary wrote on X that the army and the Ministry of Defense had opened an investigation into the accident.
The airport, located near the Pentagon and opposite the National Mall, said that all takeoff and landings had been arrested but that the terminal remained open.
The sirens resounded through the American capital while dozens of police cars have grown the two sides of the river near the accident scene, closing the roads to traffic, while the helicopters with spotlights are surrounded Above and the boats surrounded the wreck.
“I hope they find living people,” said Michael Wille, 38, who had joined a crowd on the island of Daungerfield, just south of Reagan airport, to have an overview of the Research and rescue effort. “But it’s been three hours now and the water is very close to the freezing point.”
A Sikorsky spokesperson, who makes the Black Hawk helicopter and belongs to the defense entrepreneur Lockheed Martin, said: “We have offered our support for the survey and our client.”
Mhi RJ Aviation, who acquired the CRJ series of Bombardier aircraft and support operations in 2020, did not immediately respond to a comment request.
Jerry Moran, a Kansas senator, told journalists that he had pressure for American Airlines to present a non -stop flight from Wichita at Reagan National Airport.
“This flight has existed for about a year, and it is certainly true that Kansas and in Wichita in particular, we will know people who are on this flight,” he said.
