WASHINGTON, D.C. – A PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 jet carrying 64 people collided with a U.S. Army Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter during a landing approach at Ronald Reagan National Airport Wednesday night. The FAA confirmed the collision occurred around 9 p.m. local time (2:00 GMT Thursday). The jet had departed from Wichita, Kansas.
American Airlines confirmed the jet had 60 passengers and four crew members on board. The U.S. Army confirmed three personnel were aboard the helicopter.
Multiple agencies are conducting a search and rescue operation in the Potomac River near the airport. Authorities have not yet released information on casualties. Al Jazeera reported that survival time in the cold water is estimated at about 90 minutes.
All airport operations have been suspended. Rescue boats have been deployed to the Potomac River, and emergency responders have illuminated the search area with light towers. A large emergency response is underway. Al Jazeera reported that both aircraft are believed to be in the river.
