DC Fireplace and EMS (DCFE) and the Metropolitan Police Division (MPD) stated they acquired a number of calls concerning the incident close to Ronald Reagan Washington Nationwide Airport (DCA) simply earlier than 8:50 p.m.
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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated that preliminarily, investigators imagine that an American Airways regional jet was approaching DCA’s runways collided with the helicopter.
The aircraft, which departed from Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower Nationwide Airport (ICT) in Kansas, was carrying 60 passengers and 4 crew members, in keeping with American Airways.
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In a press release, the airline stated it’s “in contact with authorities and assisting with emergency response efforts.”
We’re conscious of stories that American Eagle flight 5342, operated by PSA, with service from Wichita, Kansas (ICT) to Washington Reagan Nationwide Airport (DCA) has been concerned in an incident. We are going to present data because it turns into accessible.
American Airways assertion
Fireboats responded to the scene together with the Metropolitan Police Division (MPD), United States Park Police, Montgomery County Fireplace and Rescue System, the FBI Washington Discipline Workplace’s Nationwide Capital Response Squad and different businesses from surrounding jurisdictions.
(Andrew Harnik/Getty Photographs)
(Andrew Harnik/Getty Photographs)
(Andrew Harnik/Getty Photographs)
Officers stated that different businesses had been coordinating search and rescue within the river.
Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen stated DCFD is making water rescues and is asking individuals to steer clear of the realm to permit first responders area to work.
All take-offs and landings had been halted at DCA as emergency personnel responded to the incident.
As of 10 p.m., Sen. Ted Cruz, (R-Texas) stated “there are fatalities.”
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The Nationwide Transportation Security Board will lead the investigation with assist from the FAA.
He stated 300 first responders are on the scene with boats from all through the area together with the U.S. Coast Guard and state police helicopters from Maryland.
Moran stated that flight from Wichita had solely been in existence for a couple of yr.
“It’s an unbearable sorrow. It’s a heartbreak beyond measure. We care. We wish there was more that we could do,” Sen. Roger Marshall, (R-Kan.) stated.
“We’re in a rescue mode and we will continue in that rescue mode,” Potter stated. “We will continue to do our best.”
Metro serving to after aircraft, army helicopter collide close to Reagan Nationwide Airport
He stated the chilly and windy circumstances are “rough” however rescue and dive crews will proceed to work by the night time.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser stated as soon as first responders full their rescue operations, the Nationwide Transportation Security Board will start its investigation.
She stated they may not verify if there have been any survivors as of 1 a.m.
Rescue operations can be reevaluated within the morning throughout daylight. It’s estimated to take a number of days, in keeping with Donnelly.
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Anybody who believes they might have had a liked one on board Flight 5342 ought to name American Airways at 800-679-8215.
Anybody from exterior the U.S. can click on right here for added cellphone numbers.
Members of the family in Canada, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands ought to name 800-679-8215.
