An American Airlines flight operated by PSA collided with a military helicopter while approaching Reagan Washington National Airport, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
The aircraft, which had taken off from Wichita, Kansas, was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members when it struck a Black Hawk helicopter on Wednesday night, American Airlines confirmed.
Reports from multiple news outlets, citing U.S. defense officials, indicated that the helicopter had three soldiers on board, with no senior army personnel among them.
Following the collision, all flight operations at the airport were suspended to facilitate emergency response efforts.
Firefighters launched extensive rescue operations on the Potomac River, with Edward Kelly, general president of the International Association of Firefighters, stating that numerous personnel were involved in dive operations.
In addition, ambulances, military personnel, park police, and DC metropolitan police officers were quickly deployed to the scene.
President Donald Trump acknowledged the incident, stating he had been briefed on the “terrible accident” and commended the “incredible work” of emergency responders.
Senator Ted Cruz shared that “we know there are fatalities” in the crash, though he did not specify the source of his information, and official casualty figures have yet to be confirmed.
According to The Washington Post, multiple bodies have been recovered from the water, while NBC reported that four individuals were pulled out of the Potomac River alive.
Meanwhile, law enforcement helicopters scanned the area for any additional survivors.
President Trump later expressed his condolences, saying, “May God Bless their souls.”
The FBI has also joined the response efforts. Its Washington field office issued a statement confirming that its National Capital Response Squad was assisting in the investigation, advising that all inquiries be directed to the National Transportation Safety Board.
In a statement it wrote,”The FBI Washington Field Office’s National Capital Response Squad is responding to an aviation incident at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in support of our law enforcement and public safety partners. Please direct questions to the National Transportation Safety Board.”
