WASHINGTON, D.C. (KCTV) – An American Airlines flight from Wichita to Washington, D.C. was involved in a crash near Reagan Airport Wednesday night with a military helicopter.
The airline company confirmed the news just after 9 p.m. CT. The crash occurred around 8 p.m. CT.
A police official at the scene told CBS News just before 11 p.m. CT there were three debris fields in the water of the Potomac River and that “at least 18 bodies had been recovered. The official said no survivors had been found so far.”
American Airlines said 60 passengers and 4 crew members were on board the flight. CBS News said three soldiers were aboard the Black Hawk helicopter with no senior officials aboard.
Wichita Airport ICT shared a statement on social media Wednesday night inviting family members of passengers to gather in the terminal media room for updates as soon as they are informed.
“We’re aware of reports that American Eagle flight 5342, operated by PSA, with service from Wichita, Kansas (ICT) to Washington Reagan National Aiport (DCA) has been involved in an incident,” American Airlines tweeted. “We will provide information as it becomes available.”
D.C. Fire and EMS said on X on Wednesday night that a small aircraft was down near the airport just outside Washington and that fireboats were on the scene. Video from an observation camera at the nearby Kennedy Center shows two sets of lights consistent with aircraft appearing to join in a fireball.
READ MORE: Passenger jet collides with helicopter while landing at Reagan Washington National Airport, FAA says
The FAA said the plane was struck by a helicopter. A rescue operation is underway with authorities around the Potomac River.
Just after 10:30 p.m. CT, the FAA closed Reagan Airport until 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 31.
In audio from the air traffic control tower around the time of the crash, a controller is heard asking the helicopter, “PAT25 do you have the CRJ in sight,” in reference to the passenger aircraft.
“Tower did you see that?” another pilot is heard calling seconds after the apparent collision.
The tower immediately began diverting other aircraft from Reagan. A spokesperson for the Joint Task Force National Capitol Region said the Army helicopter was from the 12th Aviation Battalion at Fort Belvoir and was on a training flight.
“Military aircraft frequently conduct training flights in and around the congested and heavily restricted airspace around the nation’s capitol for familiarization and continuity og government planning,” said Heather Chairez, the spokesperson for the oint Task Force National Capitol Region.
Kansas senators Roger Marshall and Jerry Moran were among several lawmakers who reacted to the news of the crash Wednesday evening on social media.
“I’ve seen the reports of a collision with a D.C. helicopter and an inbound flight from Wichita, KS,” Marshall said in a post on X. “We are in contact with authorities working to get answers. We ask you to join us in prayer for every single passenger and their families.”
Marshall shared an update at 9:22 p.m., saying “roughly 60 passengers” were on board the plane that collided with a military helicopter.
“Tonight, we received devastating news of what can only be described as nothing short of a nightmare,” Marshall said. “There are no words that can make telling this story any easier. I ask the world to join me in praying for Kansas this evening, the first responders, rescue crews and all those involved in this horrific accident.”
“Learning that a plane inbound from Kansas was involved in a crash at DCA,” Moran said. “I am in contact with authorities. Please join me in praying for all involved.”
President Donald Trump was briefed on the crash, according to his press secretary, and Vice President JD Vance also shared prayers in a message on social media.
“I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport,” Trump said in a release. “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.”
“Please say a prayer for everyone involved in the mid-air collision near Reagan airport this evening. We’re monitoring the situation, but for now let’s hope for the best,” Vance tweeted.
American Airlines said anyone who believes they may have had loved ones on board the aircraft can call American Airlines toll-free at 800-679-8215.
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