A passenger jet carrying 60 people has crashed into a military helicopter near Washington DC’s Ronald Reagan National Airport, plunging into the Potomac River.
According to officials, the American Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 was approaching the runway around 9:00 PM (EST) when it collided with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter. The impact caused the jet to break apart in the river.
Rescue teams, including divers and boats, are searching the water for survivors.
Three US Army soldiers were on board the Black Hawk, which had taken off from Fort Belvoir in Virginia. The number of casualties remains unclear.
US President Donald Trump reacted to the crash, saying he had been “fully briefed on the terrible accident.”
“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,” he said.
The Federal Aviation Administration has launched an investigation into the crash. Meanwhile, takeoffs and landings at the airport have been temporarily halted.
