Dozens feared dead in mid-air collision between American Airlines jet and Air Force helicopter
The latest developments in Washington are now 6 a.m. after a deadly plane crash
An American Airlines passenger jet carrying 64 passengers and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter carrying three soldiers collided in mid-air near Reagan National Airport outside Washington, D.C., and a search is underway.
American Airlines Flight 5342 was en route from Wichita, Kansas, to Reagan National Airport on Wednesday night.
What is known so far is that the collision occurred on the final approach to Light Five Three Four Two
The incident occurred as the Black Hawk helicopter was preparing to land, an official said. The incident appears to have started with a large fire that did not explode during the collision. The two planes went down in the river, and audio from the helicopter and air traffic showed that there was communication before the crash. Rescuers have not yet found any survivors in the river. Law enforcement sources say the plane, which is believed to be in pieces in the water, is still near the helicopter, and officials described the situation as cold and windy.
The airport at Reagan National Airport will remain closed until 11 a.m. Thursday. Law enforcement and rescue workers are working to provide updates on the possible victims.
Several members of the figure skating community were on board. The U.S. Figure Skating Association confirmed in a statement that the two Russian world figure skating champions were in the city at noon. A vigil is planned for the afternoon in Chita.
President Donald Trump described the situation as “a terrible situation” and said in a statement that it “should not have happened.”
