An American Airline flight carrying 60 passengers and four crew members collided with a military helicopter on Wednesday night as it was approaching Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
The crash was first confirmed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), with a massive rescue operation and FBI investigation on the way.
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“The FBI Washington Field Office’s National Capital Response Squad is responding to an aviation incident at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in support of our law enforcement and public safety partners. Please direct questions to the National Transportation Safety Board,” said in a statement .
At the time of publication, CBS News reported that 18 bodies had been recovered from the Potomac River.
No survivors have been found so far, according to the newspaper.
The flight, a Bombardier CRJ700 departed from Wichita, Kansas, earlier on Wednesday night, while the Black Hawk helicopter, reportedly carrying three soldiers, was on training session. Officials confirmed that no senior military officials were onboard.
Following the crash, firefighters, alongside ambulances, military personnel, and park police, rushed to the Potomac River, where debris from both the plane and the helicopter was located.
In a statement, President Donald Trump expressed his condolences, praising the “incredible work” of first responders.
Senator Ted Cruz confirmed that there were fatalities from the collision, but no official reports of casualties have been released at this time.
As of now, the search continues in the Potomac River, and authorities are working to gather more information.
The identity of the victims are yet to be confirmed.
(This is a developing story, stay up-to-date with The National Briefing)
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