A MAJOR search and rescue operation is underway after an American Airways jet collided with a navy helicopter in midair and fell into the Potomac River in Washington DC.

4 individuals have been pulled to security by rescue crews diving into the freezing waters with American Airways confirming there have been 60 passengers and 4 crew on board the aircraft.

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The US Military has confirmed that one in all its Blackhawk helicopters was concerned within the incident – with three troopers on board and none mentioned to be senior officers.

Flight 5342 from Wichita, Kansas, was attributable to land at Reagan Nationwide Airport simply earlier than 9pm.

An internet digital camera shot from the Kennedy Middle in Washington confirmed an explosion mid-air throughout the Potomac round 2047 ET with an plane in flames crashing down quickly.

The Federal Aviation Administration mentioned it was conducting an investigation into the crash.

In accordance with NBC, 4 individuals have been pulled from the water up to now they usually have been taken to North Boathouse Hearth Station for additional evaluation as first responders scour the river.

American Airways mentioned in an announcement: ‘We’re conscious of reviews that American Eagle flight 5342, operated by PSA, with service from Wichita, Kansas (ICT) to Washington Reagan Nationwide Airport (DCA) has been concerned in an incident. We’ll present info because it turns into out there.’

President Donald Trump mentioned: “I’ve been absolutely briefed on the horrible accident which simply passed off at Reagan Nationwide Airport. Could God Bless their souls. Thanks for the unbelievable work being executed by our first responders. I’m monitoring the scenario and can present extra particulars as they come up.”

Dozens of police, ambulance and rescue models, some ferrying boats, have been seen racing to positions alongside the tarmac of Reagan airport.

Reside TV pictures confirmed a number of boats within the water, flashing blue and crimson lights.

Police mentioned a number of businesses have been concerned in a search and rescue operation within the Potomac River, which borders the airport.

In an announcement, DC Police mentioned: ‘At 8:53pm, a number of calls have been obtained for an plane crash above the Potomac River.

‘DC Hearth and EMS, the Metropolitan Police Division and a number of companion businesses are at the moment coordinating a search and rescue operation within the Potomac River. There is no such thing as a confirmed info on casualties at the moment.  

The Federal Aviation Authority mentioned that the jet, a Bombardier CRJ700, collided with a Sikorksy H-60 Black Hawk helicopter whereas on strategy to Runway 33.

The airport mentioned in a put up to X: ‘All takeoffs and landings have been halted at DCA. Emergency personnel are responding to an plane incident on the airfield. The terminal stays open. Will replace.’

An FAA assertion mentioned: “A PSA Airways Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet collided in midair with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter whereas on strategy to Runway 33 at Reagan Washington Nationwide Airport round 9 p.m. native time.

“PSA was working as Flight 5342 for American Airways. It departed from Wichita, Kansas.  The FAA and [National Transportation Safety Board] will examine. The NTSB will lead the investigation.”

There has not been a deadly U.S. passenger plane accident since February 2009, however a sequence of near-miss incidents in recent times have raised severe security considerations.

The Nationwide Transportation Security Board mentioned it was gathering extra info on the incident.

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