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.
In keeping with American Airways, there have been 60 passengers and 4 crew members on the flight. Three troopers had 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 had 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 Pressure-Nationwide Capital Area.
The Washington Publish mentioned a number of our bodies had been pulled from the water. 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 critical security considerations.
NBC reported that 4 individuals had been pulled alive from the Potomac River.
An online digital camera 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.
In keeping with 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 line with the FAA.
Police mentioned a number of businesses had been concerned in a search and rescue operation within the Potomac River, which borders the airport.