A jet with 60 passengers and 4 crew members aboard collided Wednesday with an Military helicopter whereas touchdown at Ronald Reagan Nationwide Airport close to Washington, prompting a big search-and-rescue operation within the close by Potomac River.
Right here’s what we all know thus far:
- What prompted the collision? That’s unclear. The Federal Aviation Administration mentioned the midair collision occurred round 9 p.m. EST when a regional jet that had departed from Wichita, Kansas, collided with a navy Blackhawk helicopter whereas on method to an airport runway. The helicopter was on a coaching flight, an official instructed the Related Press.
- Are there casualties? There have been a number of fatalities, in keeping with an individual acquainted with the matter, however the exact variety of victims was unclear as rescue crews hunt for survivors. American Airways says 60 passengers and 4 crew members have been on the airplane. Three troopers have been onboard the helicopter, an Military official mentioned.
- What’s the newest on the search efforts? All takeoffs and landings from the airport are halted whereas helicopters from regulation enforcement companies throughout the area fly over the scene. Inflatable rescue boats have been launched into the Potomac River, and first responders arrange gentle towers from the shore to light up the realm.
The Related Press is offering stay video of the scene of the airplane crash close to Washington’s Reagan Airport:
Initially Revealed:
