An American Airlines regional jet with 64 people onboard collided mid-air with an Army Black Hawk helicopter on Wednesday evening, causing both aircraft to crash into the Potomac River.
Kansas Senator Roger Marshall confirmed that all 67 individuals aboard the two aircraft are feared dead.
Authorities clarified that none of the helicopter’s three crew members were senior Army officials.
CBS News reported that at least 18 bodies have been recovered from the water.
All flights in and out of Washington, D.C.’s Ronald Reagan National Airport have been suspended until at least 11 a.m. Thursday following the collision.
Video footage from the nearby Kennedy Center captured two sets of lights, consistent with separate aircraft, converging into a fireball.
“I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport,” President Donald Trump said. “May God Bless their souls.”
American Airlines said in a statement: “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 U.S. can visit news.aa.com for additional phone numbers. Family members in Canada, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands can call 800-679-8215 directly.”
As a team of divers searches the Potomac River for survivors, Washington Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly outlined the significant challenges they are encountering.
The challenges are access. The water that we’re operating in is about 8 feet deep,” Washington Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly said. “There is wind, there is pieces of ice out there. So it’s just dangerous and hard to work in.”
He added, “And because there’s not a lot of lights, you’re out there searching every square inch of space to see if you can find anybody.
“Divers are doing the same thing in the water. The water is dark, it is murky, and that is a very tough condition for them to dive in.”
