DCA plane crash: Reaction pours out after American Airlines flight collides with military helicopter
WASHINGTON - An American Airlines passenger plane collided with an Army Blackhawk helicopter near Reagan National Airport late Wednesday night.
Around 60 passengers are believed to have been on flight 5342 from Wichita, Kansas to DCA, and three people were believed to be on the military helicopter.
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Emergency responders, including DC Fire and EMS, the Metropolitan Police Department, and multiple federal agencies are coordinating recovery efforts in the river.
The fiery crash was caught on camera as the two aircrafts quickly entered the same space.
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are both investigating.
At this time, flights are being held on both the airfield at Reagan National Airport (DCA) and the airfield at the Wichita National Airport (ICT).
SEE THE MOMENT:
What we know:
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that the midair collision occurred around 9 p.m. ET when American Airlines flight 5342, arriving from Wichita, Kansas, struck the military Blackhawk helicopter while approaching the airport runway.
The jet, a Canadian-made Bombardier CRJ-701 twin-engine aircraft, was at an altitude of approximately 400 feet and traveling at about 140 miles per hour when it suddenly lost altitude over the Potomac River. American Airlines confirmed that 60 passengers and four crew members were on the aircraft and three soldiers are believed to have been on the helicopter.
The Associated Press reports that the Army helicopter was on training flight.
What They're Saying
President Donald Trump, as well as leaders around the DMV, Kansas – where the flight departed from – and the rest of the country are already responding to what's expected to be a mass casualty event.
Those on the ground are still searching for passengers in the Potomac River, where both flights went down.
D.C. Fire and EMS and MPD:
"At 8:53 p.m. multiple calls were received for an aircraft crash above the Potomac River. D.C. Fire and EMS, Metropolitan Police Department and multiple partner agencies are currently coordinating a search and rescue operation in the Potomac River. THere is no confirmed information on casualties at this time."
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser:
"Our prayers are with everyone involved, and we will continue to keep the public updated as more information becomes available."
President Donald Trump:
"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 as they arise."
Vice President JD Vance:
"Please say a prayer for everyone involved in the mid-air collision near Reagan airport this evening. We're monitoring the situation, but for now let's hope for the best."
First Lady Melania Trump:
"My heart goes out to those impacted by last night’s terrible tragedy. I pray for those who so sadly lost their lives, their families & loved ones, & the first responders who have worked tirelessly through the night. May they find strength and solace in this difficult time."
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly:
"I am aware that a plane inbound from Wichita was involved in a crash at Reagan National Airport. I am actively in contact with authorities. My thoughts go out to those involved. I will share more information as it becomes available."
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore :
"We are closely monitoring the aviation collision incident that occurred earlier this evening near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The State of Maryland and local authorities are engaged in response."
Kansas Sen. Jerry Moran:
"Learning that a plane inbound from Kansas was involved in a crash at DCA. I am in contact with authorities. Please join me in praying for all involved."
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem:
"We are deploying every available US Coast Guard resource for search and rescue efforts in this horrific incident at DCA. We are actively monitoring the situation & stand ready to support local responders. Praying for the victims and first responders."
Sen. Ted Cruz:
"I am closely monitoring the situation at DCA, and I will receive a briefing from the FAA tomorrow. While we don’t yet know how many on board were lost, we know there are fatalities. Please join Heidi and me in praying for all involved as the search and rescue is underway."
President Barack Obama:
"Our hearts break for the families who lost loved ones in the tragic plane and helicopter crash at DCA," Obama posted online Thursday morning. "Michelle and I send our prayers and condolences to everyone who is mourning today, and we’re grateful to the first responders who are doing everything they can to help under extremely difficult circumstances."
What happened?
What we don't know:
At this time, it's unclear how the crash happened. The DCA airspace is one of the most tightly controlled and monitored airspaces in the world – just south of both the U.S. Capitol and the White House.
The Associated Press reports that the Army aircraft was a training flight.
At this time, reports indicate multiple fatalities but the number remains unclear as DC Fire and EMS, MPD and rescue crews from assisting agencies continue the search for survivors.
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This is a developing news story. Check back for updates.