UPDATE: Search, rescue efforts continue after passenger jet crashes into Army helicopter

ARLINGTON, Va. — UPDATE: (1:30 a.m.)

Search efforts continue after a passenger plane collided with an Army Black Hawk helicopter Wednesday night near Reagan National Airport at Washington D.C.

>>PHOTOS: Plane crashes into helicopter while trying to land at Reagan Airport

We will have the latest information on this plane crash this morning on News Center 7 Daybreak starting at 4:25 a.m.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

In a news conference Thursday, Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser would not say whether say if any bodies were recovered from the crash.

An official told CBS News at least 18 bodies have been recovered from the river, across three debris fields. The official said no survivors have been found at this time.

She said 60 passengers and four crew members were on board a passenger jet and three soldiers were on a military helicopter.

“When one person dies, it’s a tragedy. But when many, many, many people die, it’s an unbearable sorrow. It’s a heartbreak beyond measure,” said Kansas Senator Roger Marshall.

There are currently about 300 responders working on the rescue operation

Washington Fire and EMS Chief John A. Donnelly said at the early Thursday news conference that conditions are “extremely rough for responders,” with cold weather and intense wind.

“The water is dark. It is murky,” Connelly said.

There was no immediate word on casualties or the cause of the collision, but takeoffs and landings from the airport near Washington were halted as helicopters from law enforcement agencies across the region flew over the scene in search of survivors.

INITIAL REPORT:

A passenger jet crashed into a Black Hawk helicopter while trying to land at Ronald Reagan National Airport Wednesday night.

>>PHOTOS: Plane crashes into helicopter while trying to land at Reagan Airport

All takeoffs and landings at the airport have been halted, according to the airport and law enforcement.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

“A PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet collided in midair with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while on approach to Runway 33 at Reagan Washington National Airport around 9 p.m. local time,” the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said in a statement.

TRENDING STORIES:

American Airlines flight 5342 took off from Wichita, Kansas, according to the FAA.

60 people and four crew members were on board the PSA flight at the time of the crash, according to CBS News.

Multiple sources and an Army official told CBS News that an Army Black Hawk helicopter was involved.

A Defense Department official told CBS News that three soldiers were aboard the helicopter. No senior officials were on board.

The AP reports that the Army helicopter was on a training flight at the time of the crash.

There is no immediate word on casualties.

“We’re aware of reports that American Eagle flight 5342, operated by PSA, with service from Wichita, Kansas (ICT) to Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA) has been involved in an incident. We will provide information as it becomes available,” American Airlines said in a statement on social media.

D.C. police and Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said they received multiple calls about an aircraft crash above the Potomac River at approximately 8:53 p.m.

DC Fire and EMS, MPD and other agencies are currently coordinating a search and rescue operation in the river.

Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said every available US Coast Guard resource is being deployed to help with search and rescue efforts.

Video from an observation camera at the nearby Kennedy Center shows two sets of lights consistent with aircraft appearing to join in a fireball.

“I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport. 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,” President Donald Trump said in a statement.

The Washington Reagan National Airport will be closed until 5 a.m., according to the AP.

“If you believe you may have loved ones on board Flight 5342, call American Airlines toll-free at 800-679-8215. Those calling from outside the U.S. can visit news.aa.com for additional phone numbers. Family members in Canada, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands can call 800-679-8215 directly,” American Airlines said.

The FAA and the NTSB will investigate this crash. The NTSB will lead this investigation.

No other details were immediately available.

0 of 14