CNN
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A Black Hawk (H-60) helicopter from the US army crashed with a passenger plane near Washington on Wednesday, according to two US defense officials.
The passenger plane transported 64 people collided with a Black Hawk helicopter from the US army near the Reagan National Airport, on the outskirts of Washington, DC, when it approached the track, according to the federal aviation administration (FAA for its acronym in English) and defense officials.
There are no confirmed victims at this time, according to the Metropolitan Police Department. A mass emergency response is being carried out on the DC Potomac River, where the passenger plane and the helicopter collided.
Dozens of firefighters are participating in diving operations at the scene of the plane crash, said Edward Kelly, general president of the International Fire Association in a tweet.
The plane, the 5342 flight of American Airlines, had 60 passengers and 4 crew members on board and had split Wichita, Kansas, according to the airline.
The White House confirmed that a military helicopter was involved in the incident.
“We can confirm that the aircraft involved in the incident tonight was a UH-60 helicopter of the Army of Fort Belvoir, Virginia. We are working with local officials and we will provide additional information once available, ”said an US army official to CNN.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has stopped flights at the Reagan airport.
“All take -off and landings have been suspended. Emergency personnel are responding to an aircraft incident in the aviation field. The terminal remains open, ”said the Reagan National Airport in a publication on social networks.
Roger Marshall, Senator by Kansas, confirmed the fact in an X post.
“Tonight we receive devastating news of what can only be described as nothing less than a nightmare,” he wrote. “A plane traveling to the capital of the nation from Wichita, Ks, which transported approximately 60 passengers collided with a military helicopter.”
“My prayer is that God embraces each and every one of the victims and continues to be with their families.”
Marshall said he is in contact with “local and national authorities asking for answers and will continue to demand more information about how this was developed.”
American Airlines has launched a direct line for relatives and loved ones of people who were aboard flight 5342
“If you think there may be loved ones aboard flight 5342, call American Airlines without charge at 800-679-8215,” said the airline in a statement.
“Those who call from outside the US can visit News.AA.com to obtain additional telephone numbers. Family members in Canada, Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands of the USA can call directly 800-679-8215, ”he added.
The airline said it will continue to disseminate information about the incident as it is available.
President Donald Trump said he is “fully informed” about the collision.
Trump added that he was “monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise.”
“May God bless his souls. Thanks for the incredible work that our lifeguards are doing, ”reads Trump’s statement.
(Tagstotranslate) Instagia
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