Synopsis
US President Donald Trump is actively monitoring the situation following a tragic plane crash near Reagan National Airport in Washington. The incident involved American Airlines Flight 5342 and a Black Hawk helicopter, resulting in casualties and prompting emergency responses from multiple agencies.Key Takeaways
- President Trump is monitoring the plane crash situation.
- Fatalities have been reported in the mid-air collision.
- The incident involved American Airlines Flight 5342 and a Black Hawk helicopter.
- Emergency response teams are conducting search and rescue operations.
- The FAA and NTSB are investigating the cause of the crash.
Washington, Jan 30 (NationPress) US President Donald Trump stated that he is keeping a close watch on the plane incident that transpired above the Potomac River close to Reagan National Airport in Washington.
"I have been completely briefed on the horrific incident which just occurred at Reagan National Airport. May God Bless their souls. Thank you for the amazing work being carried out by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will share more updates as they come in," the President's office mentioned in a statement.
A tragic mid-air collision took place above the Potomac River near Washington, involving American Airlines Flight 5342 and a Black Hawk helicopter.
According to various media sources, the passenger aircraft was transporting 60 individuals including passengers and crew.
Meanwhile, Texas Senator Ted Cruz reported that there were casualties.
"I am closely observing the situation at DCA, and I will receive a briefing from the FAA tomorrow. While we don’t yet know how many onboard have been lost, we are aware of fatalities. Please join Heidi and me in praying for all involved as the search and rescue is in progress," he posted on X.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) indicated that the aircraft collided around 9 p.m. on Wednesday as the passenger jet was nearing Runway 33 at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
"A PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet collided midair with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while on approach to Runway 33 at Reagan Washington National Airport around 9 p.m. local time. PSA was operating as Flight 5342 for American Airlines. It had departed from Wichita, Kansas. The FAA and NTSB will investigate, with the NTSB leading the inquiry," the FAA stated.
The flight had originally come from Wichita, Kansas.
Emergency response teams, including the Metropolitan Police Department and the District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department, promptly commenced search and rescue operations in the Potomac River. Rescue boats were dispatched to the crash site to assist potential survivors.
As a precaution, all flights at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport were briefly suspended to aid the emergency response. The FAA has initiated a thorough investigation into the incident to ascertain the cause of the collision.
"All takeoffs and landings have been halted at DCA. Emergency personnel are responding to an aircraft incident on the airfield. The terminal remains open. Will provide updates," Reagan Airport posted on X.
Kansas Senator Jerry Moran expressed concern upon hearing that the passenger plane was arriving from Kansas.
"Learning about a plane inbound from Kansas being involved in a crash at DCA. I am in touch with authorities. Please join me in praying for all involved," he posted on X.
Authorities are urging the public to stay clear of the area, allowing emergency personnel to perform their duties effectively.
This incident has triggered a significant response from multiple agencies as they collaborate to manage the situation and provide assistance.
Rescue operations are ongoing and further details are anticipated.
