According to the Federal Aviation Authority (FDA), at around 21:00 local time, the airplane in question collided with a US Army helicopter as it neared Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
Reports state that there were 60 passengers and four crew members onboard the plane. The military helicopter, meanwhile, was carrying three soldiers said to be on a training exercise.
Harrowing CCTV footage, taken from a nearby building, has surfaced online showing the moment the plane and helicopter collided. A ball of flames can be seen erupting upon the impact, before both aircraft fell into the Potomac River.
Officials in Washington DC last night refused to confirm reports on casualties, insisting instead that they are focused on the ongoing rescue effort.
According to Washington DC Fire and Emergency Services Chief John Donnelly – as reported by BBC – around 300 responders on rubber boats have been deployed on the Potomac River to search for survivors.
“The challenge is access, there is wind, pieces of ice (on the water). It is dangerous and hard to work in,” Donnelly said.
Hamaad Raza, the husband of one of the passengers onboard Flight 5342, has opened up on the final text his wife sent him, just minutes before the deadly collision occurred.
“I’m just praying that someone is pulling her out of the river right now as we speak, that’s all I can pray for, I’m just praying to God,” Raza explained to WUSA9.
“She texted me that they were landing in 20 minutes.”
He added: “‘Landing in 20 minutes’, the rest of my texts did not get delivered, that’s when I realized something might be up.”
Following the incident, American Airlines issued the following statement: “American Eagle Flight 5342 en route from Wichita, Kansas (ICT), to Washington, D.C. (DCA) was involved in an accident at DCA. The flight was operated by PSA Airlines with a CRJ-700.
There were 60 passengers and four crew members on board the aircraft.
“Our concern is for the passengers and crew on board the aircraft. We are in contact with authorities and assisting with emergency response efforts.
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.”
President Donald Trump, sworn into office last Monday, confirmed he had been fully briefed on the “terrible accident” and said he was monitoring the situation.
“May God Bless their souls,” he said in a statement. “Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders.”
Our thoughts and prayers are with all those involved in this tragic accident.
