A tragic search for survivors is currently underway after a Black Hawk helicopter carrying three soldiers collided in mid-air with a commercial plane that had 60 passengers and four crew members aboard near Reagan National Airport in Virginia tonight.
Flight 5342, a Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet operated by PSA Airlines for American Airlines, was traveling from Wichita, Kansas, when it collided with the military helicopter as it was approaching Runway 33 at Washington National Airport just before 9 p.m., according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
The helicopter, which had three military personnel on board, was not carrying any high-profile individuals, a defense source told CNN. The Black Hawk has a capacity to carry 15 passengers, as reported by Fox News.
“Our concern is for the passengers and crew on board the aircraft. We are in contact with authorities and assisting with emergency response efforts,” American Airlines said in a statement to The Post.
Press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed to Fox News’ Sean Hannity that President Trump had been briefed on the incident.
“I have called over to my counterparts at the White House, and I can confirm that President Trump has been made aware of this situation,” Leavitt stated.
“And tragically, it appears that a military helicopter collided with a regional jet at DCA airport right here in Washington, DC. That’s all I can confirm at this point in time.”
A webcam at the Kennedy Center recorded what seems to be an explosion in the air.
According to emergency dispatchers, there was a “large amount of debris in the water” and a “casualty collection point” near the Metropolitan Police Department’s helicopter hangar.
Fireboats have been deployed to the Potomac River in Arlington, with the DC Fire and EMS Department confirming the presence of emergency responders just after 9 p.m. on social media.
The Washington DC Police Department, along with multiple other agencies, has responded to the scene, as confirmed by the department’s post on social media.
Kansas Republican Senator Roger Marshall confirmed that the plane had approximately 60 passengers onboard.
“Tonight, we received devastating news of what can only be described as nothing short of a nightmare,” he tweeted.
“I have been in contact with local and national authorities asking for answers and will continue to demand more information on how this unfolded.”
The Reagan National Airport has halted all takeoffs and landings, the airport confirmed on social media.
“I am closely monitoring the situation at DCA, and I will receive a briefing from the FAA tomorrow,” Senator Ted Cruz of Texas tweeted.
“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,” added Cruz, who heads the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
The flight path for the flight from Wichita began on January 8, 2024, after Kansas Senator Jerry Moran secured the first-ever direct flight from central Kansas to Washington D.C.
The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board have opened an investigation into the crash’s cause.
“If you believe you may have loved ones on board Flight 5342, call American Airlines toll-free at 800-679-8215. Those calling from outside the US can visit news.aa.com for additional phone numbers. Family members in Canada, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands can call 800-679-8215 directly,” the airline said in its statement.
{Matzav.com}
CNN allegedly had pre-written articles about the Washington Crash – Hours online BEFORE the event & lots of people have the receipts.