Washington:
At the least 18 our bodies have reportedly been recovered from the Potomac River after an American Airways regional jet with 64 individuals on board collided mid-air with a navy helicopter final night time in Washington, simply 5 kilometres from the White Home.
Listed here are the highest 10 factors on this huge story:
- Visuals confirmed the night time sky lit up with what appeared like a large firework because the airplane and the helicopter got here crashing down into the Potomac River in Washington.
- The American Eagle Flight 5342 was on its means from Kansas to Washington DC with 60 passengers and 4 crew members, the airline stated. The Blackhawk helicopter was on a coaching flight with three troopers, however there was no senior official on board, stated officers.
- The Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) stated the flight, operated by PSA airways, collided with Sikorsky UH-60 helicopter whereas approaching the airport for touchdown round 9 pm native time (0200 GMT).
- American Airways stated in a press release, “Our concern is for the passengers and crew on board the plane. We’re in touch with authorities and helping with emergency response efforts.”
- Emergency workers swung into motion with cops saying that a number of companies had been responding to the crash web site. All flights had been grounded at Ronald Reagan Nationwide Airport by the FAA.
- Fireboats joined the emergency operation in Potomac and dozens of fireplace vehicles had been seen heading in the direction of the airport because the responders confronted challenges on account of darkness.
- Native media experiences say cops have recovered at the least 18 our bodies from Potomac as divers search for extra our bodies amid “extraordinarily tough” situations within the river.
- President Donald Trump stated he has been absolutely briefed on the “horrible accident” and that the crash “ought to have been prevented”. “Why did not the management tower inform the helicopter what to do as a substitute of asking in the event that they noticed the airplane. It is a unhealthy scenario that appears prefer it ought to have been prevented,” he wrote on his Reality Social platform.
- Robert Isom, CEO of American Airways, expressed “deep sorrow” in a video message earlier than heading to Washington. “American Airways care staff has been activated to help our passengers and their households. We’re cooperating absolutely with the Nationwide Transportation Security Board and its investigation,” he stated.
- American Airways has issued a toll-free helpline quantity 800-679-8215 for these fearing their family members may very well be on the flight. It has these from outdoors the US to go to information.aa.com for contact particulars. These in Canada, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands can dial the helpline quantity offered above.