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AN American Airlines plane has crashed into a river after colliding with a US Army helicopter mid-air in Washington DC.
At least 18 people have reportedly been killed after the jet plunged into Potomac River and split in two.
Four people have reportedly been pulled to safety by rescue crews diving into the freezing waters with American Airlines confirming there were 60 passengers and four crew on board the plane.
The US Army has confirmed that one of its Blackhawk helicopters was involved in the incident – with three soldiers on board and none said to be senior officials.
Reports from the scene say that the plane involved split in two while the helicopter – which was said to be on a training flight – is upside down in the water.
The aircraft involved was Flight 5342 from Wichita, Kansas, which was due to land at Reagan National Airport just before 9pm.
A web camera shot from the Kennedy Center in Washington showed an explosion mid-air across the Potomac around 20:47 ET with an aircraft in flames crashing down rapidly.
The Federal Aviation Administration said it was conducting an investigation into the crash.
According to NBC, four people have been pulled from the water so far and they were taken to North Boathouse Fire Station for further assessment as first responders scour the river.
American Airlines said in a statement: ‘We’re aware of reports that American Eagle flight 5342, operated by PSA, with service from Wichita, Kansas (ICT) to Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA) has been involved in an incident. We will provide information as it becomes available.’
President Donald Trump said: “I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport. May God Bless their souls. Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise.”
Dozens of police, ambulance and rescue units, some ferrying boats, were seen racing to positions along the tarmac of Reagan airport.
Live TV images showed several boats in the water, flashing blue and red lights.
Police said multiple agencies were involved in a search and rescue operation in the Potomac River, which borders the airport.
In a statement, DC Police said: ‘At 8:53pm, multiple calls were received for an aircraft crash above the Potomac River.
‘DC Fire and EMS, the Metropolitan Police Department and multiple partner agencies are currently coordinating a search and rescue operation in the Potomac River. There is no confirmed information on casualties at this time.
The Federal Aviation Authority said that the jet, a Bombardier CRJ700, collided with a Sikorksy H-60 Black Hawk helicopter while on approach to Runway 33.
The airport said in a post to X: ‘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 update.’
An FAA statement said: “A PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet collided in 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 departed from Wichita, Kansas. The FAA and [National Transportation Safety Board] will investigate. The NTSB will lead the investigation.”
There has not been a fatal U.S. passenger aircraft accident since February 2009, but a series of near-miss incidents in recent years have raised serious safety concerns.
The National Transportation Safety Board said it was gathering more information on the incident.
