WASHINGTON — An American Airlines plane crashed into the Potomac River near Reagan National Airport outside Washington, D.C., after colliding with an Army Blackhawk helicopter, DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services confirmed late Tuesday night.
Reagan National Airport is closed due to an emergency, according to an FAA advisory.
“A passenger aircraft that crashed into the Potomac River near Reagan National Airport outside of Washington, DC, collided midair with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while on approach to the runway,” the Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement.
Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas said on social media that at least 60 people were on board the plane at the time of the crash.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that President Donald Trump was briefed about an incident involving a military helicopter and a commercial airplane.
American Airlines confirmed that 60 people and four crew members were aboard the plane. Newly sworn-in Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said he is monitoring developments at the Federal Aviation Administration’s headquarters.
Dozens of firefighters are currently at the scene, searching for survivors at the Potomac River, according to a union official.
“They’re doing everything they can to bring survivors to safety. Our prayers are with everyone affected,” Edward Kelly, the general president of the International Association of Fire Fighters said in a statement.
Maryland State Police have deployed divers to the scene and the the Maryland Department of Emergency Management has raised its Emergency Operations Center to “Enhanced” status.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated with more information as it becomes available.
