Warning: graphic footage follows
Video footage exhibits the harrowing second an American Airways passenger airplane collided with an Military Black Hawk helicopter in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, Jan. 29.
American Airways flight 5342 had departed Wichita, Kan. earlier than crashing into the navy plane over the Potomac River close to Ronald Reagan Nationwide Airport round 9 p.m. native time, the FAA stated in an preliminary assertion to PEOPLE.
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Within the footage, the airplane and helicopter are seen putting each other earlier than a flare of sunshine blasts, they usually land within the river.
Sixty passengers and 4 crew members had been on board the American Airways airplane, the airline stated in an announcement. CNN additionally reported that the U.S. Military Black Helicopter had three troopers on board.
Eighteen our bodies have been recovered from the Potomac River and at the very least three particles fields had been within the water, a police official on the scene advised CBS News.
4 folks had been faraway from the water and brought to an area hospital, in keeping with NBC 4.
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The American Airways flight reportedly break up in half after the collision. The airplane break up in two and landed about seven ft of water, NBC4 studies, citing two first responder sources.
The Black Hawk helicopter ended the other way up within the Potomac River.
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The Metropolitan Police Division said in a statement that a number of companies are at present coordinating a search and rescue operation within the Potomac River and “there isn’t a confirmed info on casualties presently.”
“Our concern is for the passengers and crew on board the plane. We’re involved with authorities and aiding with emergency response efforts,” American Airways stated in an announcement to PEOPLE.
“In case you imagine you’ll have family members on board Flight 5342, name American Airways toll-free at 800-679-8215. These calling from exterior the U.S. can go to news.aa.com for added cellphone numbers. Relations in Canada, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands can name 800-679-8215 instantly,” their assertion continued.
