(NewsNation) — Four people were recovered after an American Airlines regional passenger jet collided Wednesday evening with a military Blackhawk helicopter at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, sending both aircraft into the icy Potomac River near Washington.
A massive search-and-rescue operation was underway following the accident, which occurred about 300 feet in the air shortly before 9 p.m. local time, officials said. The airport was shut down, and officials said it would not reopen until 5 a.m. Friday.
There were 60 passengers and four crew members aboard American Eagle Flight 5342, according to American Airlines. The FAA said the plane was a Bombardier CRJ700 that was arriving from Wichita, Kansas.
A U.S. Army official said the helicopter had three soldiers aboard. It was out of Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
“I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport,” President Trump said in a prepared statement late Wednesday. “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 as they arise.”
No information was immediately available about the four people recovered.
“I am aware that a plane inbound from Wichita was involved in a crash at Reagan National Airport. I am actively in contact with authorities. My thoughts go out to those involved,” Kansas Gov. Laura Johnson said on social media.
People who believe they have family members on board the flights and are looking for further information are asked to call 800-697-8215.
Wednesday’s disaster evoked memories of a deadly crash at the same airport on Jan. 13, 1982. An Air Florida jet crashed into a bridge after takeoff and fell into the Potomac, killing more than 70 people, including motorists. Four passengers and one crew member were rescued.
“We are shocked and saddened by the tragic accident at DCA tonight,” the Air Line Pilots Association said Wednesday in a statement. “Our thoughts are with those affected by this tragedy.”
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating.
This is a breaking story. Check back for developments.
