Jan. 29 (UPI) — An American Airlines jet with 64 people aboard collided with a Sikorsky H-60 Army helicopter carrying three soldiers while approaching Reagan Washington National Airport, crashing into the Potomac River on Wednesday night.
A multi-agency search and rescue for potential survivors is underway from the air, ground and sea.
“There are no confirmed casualties at this time,” DC Fire and the Metropolitan Police Department said in a joint statement. CNN reported that a portion of the plane is in the water.
Witnesses are stating online that a large search-and-rescue effort has been mobilized, describing the air around the airport filled with helicopters and the river covered with boats.
According to the National Weather Service, the water temperature is 34 degrees. On X, it said temperatures in the region are to drop below freezing overnight, with lows in the 20s.
“Search and rescue efforts are underway in the Potomac River,” Edward Kelly, the general president of the International Association of Fire Fighters, said on X. “They’re doing everything they can to bring survivors to safety. Our prayers are with everyone affected.”
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin said “extensive resources” are being deployed to support the search-and-rescue efforts.
“First responders from across Northern Virginia, D.C. and Maryland mobilized quickly,” he said on X, asking for prayers for those involved.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said “every available” U.S. Coast Guard resource is being deployed.
American Eagle flight 5342, operated by PSA, departed from Wichita, Kan., was on approach to Runway 33 around 8:30 p.m. EST when it crashed with the military aircraft. The plane was a Bombardier CRJ twin-engine.
American Airlines said in a statement there were 60 passengers and four crew on the jet.
“Our concern is for the passengers and crew on board the aircraft,” the airline said. “We are in contact with authorities and assisting with emergency response efforts.”
All takeoffs and landings were halted at the airport. “Emergency personnel are responding to an aircraft incident on the airfield. The terminal remains open,” Reagan National Airport said on social media.
The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation with the Federal Aviation Administration.
President Donald Trump said in a statement: “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 at they arrive.”
Vice President JD Vance said he was also monitoring the situation.
“Please say a prayer for everyone involved in the mid-air collision near Reagan airport this evening,” he said on X. “We’re monitoring the situation, but for now, let’s hope for the best.”
Both senators from Kansas posted on X.
“Learning that a plane inbound from Kansas was involved in a crash at DCA. I am in contact with authorities,” Kansas Sen. Jerry Moran posted. “Please join me in praying for all involved.”
“We are in contact with authorities working to get answers,” the other Kansas senator, Roger Marshall, posted. “We ask you to join us in prayer for every single passenger and their families.”
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said it raised its Emergency Operations Center to “enhanced” status in support.
He posted on X that Maryland State Police have “have deployed divers to the scene to assist with rescue missions.”
There are no restrictions at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.
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