Passenger jet collides midair with military helicopter in Washington DC

A Passenger jet collides midair with military helicopter in Washington DC during landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport, the FAA confirmed. The incident is under investigation. The collision happened on approach to Runway 33 at Reagan Washington National Airport around 9pm local time.

An American Airlines commercial jet crashed into Washington DC’s Potomac River after colliding with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter in mid-air just before 21:00 local time (02:00 GMT).

Passenger jet collides midair with military helicopter in Washington DC

The plane crashed in the Potomac River, which weaves through DC, according to the DC Fire and EMS Department. The search for survivors continues, as More and more emergency boats and crews head to the river.

About 300 emergency responders are at the scene, with police divers and boats searching the water for survivors.

President Trump has issued a statement calling it a “terrible accident” and has thanked emergency workers for their efforts.

Details on casualties have emerged

Details on casualties have emerged. American Airlines says 60 passengers and four crew members were on board the flight; while the US military has said three soldiers were on the helicopter which had been on a training mission from Fort Belvoir, Virginia. No survivors have been found.

Police divers and boats have spent hours searching the Potomac River for survivors – and have been hampered by freezing temperatures.

American Airlines commercial jet crashed

There has been no official confirmation on any casualties, but WTX have been told by police officials that 18 bodies have been recovered so far.

All flights in and out of Reagan Washington National Airport have been grounded until at least 05:00 in the morning. As well all flights at the Washington-area airport have been suspended.