WASHINGTON: An American Airways regional passenger jet and a US Military Black Hawk helicopter crashed into the Potomac River after a midair collision close to Reagan Washington Nationwide Airport on Wednesday (Jan 29) evening, officers mentioned.
American Airways confirmed that 64 individuals have been aboard the jet – together with 60 passengers and 4 crew members.
Three troopers have been aboard the helicopter, a US official mentioned.The official, talking on the situation of anonymity, mentioned the standing of the troopers was unknown, however added that no senior officers have been on the helicopter.
One other official mentioned the Military UH-60 helicopter concerned within the crash was based mostly out of Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
The BlackHawk was participating in a coaching flight, mentioned Heather Chairez, a spokesperson with the Joint Job Drive-Nationwide Capital Area.
The Washington Put up, citing sources, mentioned a number of our bodies had been pulled from the water. No survivors had thus far been discovered, the newspaper reported. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas mentioned on social media that “we all know there are fatalities,” although he didn’t say what number of.
There has not been a deadly US passenger airplane accident since February 2009, however a collection of near-miss incidents in recent times have raised severe security considerations.
NBC reported that 4 individuals had been pulled alive from the Potomac River.
An internet digicam shot from the Kennedy Heart in Washington confirmed an explosion mid-air throughout the Potomac round 8.47pm with an plane in flames crashing down quickly.
Based on the US Federal Aviation Administration, a PSA Airways regional jet collided midair with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter.
The US Federal Aviation Administration mentioned a PSA Airways regional jet collided midair with the helicopter whereas on strategy to Reagan.
PSA was working Flight 5342 for American Airways, which had departed from Wichita, Kansas, in response to the FAA.
Police mentioned a number of businesses have been concerned in a search and rescue operation within the Potomac River, which borders the airport.
