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US President Donald Trump said that he is monitoring the plane crash that occurred over the Potomac River near Reagan National Airport in Washington.
"I have been fully briefed on the horrific accident which just occurred at Reagan National Airport. May God Bless their souls. Thank you to the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring and will be keeping everyone informed," said the President's office statement.
American Airlines Flight 5342 and a Black Hawk helicopter collided mid-air over the Potomac River near Washington, US, in a tragic collision.
The American Airlines passenger flight was carrying 60 passengers and crew, media reports said.
Meanwhile, Senator Ted Cruz of Texas said there were fatalities.
"I am close monitoring the situation at DCA, and tomorrow I will meet with the FAA to receive the briefing. It's not clear at this hour how many lives are lost inside that aircraft but know there have been fatalities; please join Heidi and me to pray for those affected as rescuers continue working on search," he posted in X.
The Federal Aviation Administration said the aircraft crashed about 9 p.m. Wednesday as the passenger jet was approaching Runway 33 at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
"A PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet crashed into a midair collision with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter shortly before it reached the approach phase to Runway 33 of Reagan Washington National Airport about 9 p.m. local time. PSA operates Flight 5342 on behalf of American Airlines. The departure airport was Wichita, Kansas. The FAA will investigate with participation from the NTSB. The NTSB will have investigative leadership in this incident, according to an FAA statement issued tonight."
The flight had originated from Wichita, Kansas.
The emergency teams responded, comprising Metropolitan Police Department and District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department personnel who initiated the search and rescue effort within the Potomac River. Rescue boats were moved out to the wreck to try and help the people that could possibly have survived.
As a precaution, all flights at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport were temporarily suspended to facilitate the emergency response. The FAA has launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident to determine the cause of the collision.
"All takeoffs and landings have been halted at DCA. Emergency personnel are responding to an aircraft incident on the airfield. The terminal remains open. Will update," Reagan Airport posted on X.
Kansas Senator Jerry Moran was concerned when he learned that the passenger plane was coming from Kansas.
"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," he said in a post on X.
The authorities are asking the public to stay away from the area to give the emergency personnel the room to do their work.
This incident has caused a massive response from multiple agencies as they are working together to manage the situation and assist.
Rescue operations are underway and further details are awaited.
(Inputs from IANS)
