Passenger shower and US Army helicopter collide with Washington

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A passenger shower and a military helicopter crashed near Reagan National Airport outside Washington and embedded in the Potomac River, causing the survivors to find almost at freezing temperatures.

The regional flight managed by the PSA Airlines American Airlines was from Wichita, Kansas. The Bombardier CRJ700 and the US Army Sikorsky H -60 Black Hawk helicopter collided with the jet approaching the airport at around 9 pm.

American Airlines, which fully owns PSA, said that American Eagle Flight 5342 transports 60 passengers and four crew members « participated in an accident » in Reagan National. « Our concern is for passengers and crew on the plane, » the airline added. « We are in contact with the authorities and help in emergencies. »

Robert Isom, CEO of American Airlines, then released a video in which he traveled to Washington. “We want to learn everything we can from today’s events. That job takes time, ”he said.

Officials do not confirm whether there were victims and did not confirm whether people have been saved. Many are afraid of the dead.

The Washington Police Department in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area stated on X that the Potomac River is underway « Multi-Survey’s search and rescue operation » about 300 federal, Columbia County and state respondents were looking for survivors. They were expected to work through the night.

« We’re going to be there for as long as it takes, and of course we will try to get to people as soon as possible, » Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser said at a news conference at the airport on Thursday. « We are going to restore our citizens. »

The US defense authority said that the helicopter had three crews, but not older staff. According to Heather Chairez, a national spokesman for the Army Common National Helsinki Metropolitan Area, Black Hawk was on a training flight.

Another defense authority said that the position of the helicopter crew was unknown. The army reported that Black Hawk worked from Fort Belvoir, Virginia, about 20 miles from Pentagon.

« We work with local officials and provide more information when it comes to use, » the army said in its statement.

US President Donald Trump said in his statement that he had been « fully informed of a horrifying accident. » Later, he sent the truth of a social accident saying that it could have prevented it.

“The airplane was in a complete and routine approach to the airport. The helicopter was going straight to the airplane for a long time. It is a clear night, the airplane lights were burning why the helicopter didn’t go up or down or turned, ”he asked.

“Why the steering tower didn’t tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they could see the machine. This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. Not good !!! « Trump added.

Pete Heggeth, Trump Recently confirmed The Minister of Defense wrote to X that the army and the Ministry of Defense had opened the investigation into the accident.

The airport, located near the Pentagon and opposite the national shopping center, said that all departure and landing had been discontinued, but the terminal remained open.

The sirens flareed over the US capital as dozens of police cars floated on both sides of the river near the accident site by closing the traffic roads, while helicopters with headlamps, circling and boats rotate wrecks.

« I hope they find some people alive, » said 38 -year -old Michael Wille, who had joined the crowd on Daingerfield Island, just south of Reagan Airport to get a look at search and rescue. « But now three hours have passed and the water is very close to the freezing point. »

Sikorsky spokesman who makes a Black Hawk helicopter and is a defense contractor Lockheed Martin, said: « We have provided support for research and our client. »

Mhi RJ Aviation, who bought the CRJ series from Bombardier in 2020 and supported by Bombardier, did not immediately respond to the request for comment.

Kansas Senator Jerry Moran told journalists that he had lobbyed American Airlines to present a direct flight from Wichita to Reagan National Airport.

« That flight has existed for about a year, and it is certainly true that Kansas and especially Wichita we know the people on this flight, » he said.