Helicopter searches for survivors of the American Airlines plane crash near Reagan National Airport

Plane crash at Reagan Washington National Airport. Photo: TING SHEN/AFP via Getty
The American Airlines flight that crashed with 60 passengers and four crew members onboard reportedly split in half after its collision on Wednesday.

According to NBC4, citing two first responder sources, the plane landed in about seven feet of water and split in two.

According to the sources, the Army Black Hawk helicopter it collided with is upside down in the river. Rescuers cannot enter the helicopter because of its precarious position, one of the sources said.

The Metropolitan Police Department said in a statement that multiple agencies are currently coordinating a search and rescue operation in the Potomac River and “there is no confirmed information on casualties at this time.”

Ronald Reagan Washington Airport crash.Chip Somodevilla/Getty
American Airlines Plane Crashes into Potomac River After Black Hawk Helicopter Collision: Live Updates
According to NBC4 Washington, at least four people were pulled from the water and were rushed to hospitals. However, CNN is reporting that no survivors have been pulled from the water yet, citing a law enforcement source.

The American Airlines regional passenger plane collided with the helicopter over the Potomac River as it approached Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
Crash near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.Andrew Harnik/Getty
American Airlines Plane Carrying 64 People Crashes Midair with Army Black Hawk Helicopter Over Washington, D.C.
“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,” their statement continued.

CNN reported that the Army Black Hawk helicopter had three soldiers on board. Joint Task Force-National Capital Region media chief Heather Chairez told the outlet that the plane was on training flight at the time of the incident.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said they are deploying “every available US Coast Guard resource for search and rescue efforts in this horrific incident at DCA.”

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

“We are actively monitoring the situation & stand ready to support local responders. Praying for the victims and first responders,” her statement continued.

Related Posts

Michelle Obama Finally Breaks Her Silence on Divorce Rumors

Speculation arose earlier this year when Barack Obama attended former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral alone, without Michelle at his side. The rumors only grew louder days later…

Barack Obama Admits to “Deep Deficit” in Marriage with Michelle

Barack Obama is offering a rare glimpse into his relationship with Michelle Obama. The former president revealed that since completing his two consecutive terms in the White…

Giant Eagle captured in Bro…

Brownsville, Texas – In an astonishing event that has left experts and local residents amazed, a colossal giant eagle was recently captured near Brownsville, Texas. This majestic…

Nine dead after ‘bullied pupil’ launches shooting rampage

Nine people have been killed and dozens more injured at an Austrian school, in one of the worst mass shootings in the country’s history. Special forces police…

Woman Asks Husband of 30 Years for Divorce Even Though He’d Done Nothing — Story of the Day

Isn’t it curious how two people can have such different views on the same event? Take marriage, for example. My husband Zack believed we were happily married,…

The body of a 13-year-old girl has just been found, her neighbor

Minas Gerais was hit by a wave of shock and sadness this week, after the discovery of the body of Stefany Vitória Teixeira Ferreira, a teenager of…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *