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Emergency services are working around the clock after an American Airlines plane and a US army helicopter crashed mid-air over Washington DC, with both aircraft plummeting into the Potomac River.
The incident happened at around 9.00pm local time on Wednesday (29 January), with President Donald Trump calling the incident a ‘terrible accident’.
The plane, operating as American Airlines 5432, had been landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport near DC when the tragic incident occurred.
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Confirmed to be a Bombardier CRJ-701 twin-engine jet, the plane was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, while the helicopter had three soldiers on board.
In a statement late on Wednesday, President Trump thanked first responders for their ‘incredible work,’ noting that he was ‘monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise’.
“May God Bless their souls,” he added.
The CEO of American Airlines, Robert Isom, has also spoken out on the incident, expressing his ‘deepest sorrow’ over what had happened.
For the latest updates on this tragic incident, see below.
Statement from American Airlines CEO
Robert Isom, the CEO of American Airlines, has issued a statement on the incident in Washington DC.
“This is a difficult day for all of us at American Airlines and our efforts now are focused entirely on the needs of our passengers, crew members, partners, first responders, along with their families and loved ones,” he said.
Donald Trump questions incident
A statement from President Donald Trump said it ‘looks like’ the collision ‘should have been prevented’.
He posted on social media platform Truth Social: “The airplane was on a perfect and routine line of approach to the airport.
“The helicopter was going straight at the airplane for an extended period of time. It is a CLEAR NIGHT, the lights on the plane were blazing, why didn’t the helicopter go up or down, or turn.
“Why didn’t the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane. This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!”
Bodies recovered from the Potomac River
Tragically at least 19 bodies have now been recovered after the jet crashed in to the Potomac River next to Ronald Reagan National Airport.
Officials have said no survivors have been found at this stage, CBS has reported.
Air traffic control audio released
Audio of air traffic control at Ronald Reagan National Airport has been released on the incident.
“The accident happened in the river,” an official can be heard saying in the audio obtained by NBC.
“Both the helicopter and the plane crashed in the river.”
Full story and audio clip here