Airplane collides with helicopter on air, 18 people confirmed dead, location announced

• An American Airlines flight collided mid-air with a helicopter in Washington DC, resulting in both aircraft crashing into the Potomac River
• Emergency responders are in "rescue mode," searching for survivors, with 18 bodies recovered so far
• President Donald Trump has been briefed on the incident and thanked the emergency responders for their efforts

An American Airlines flight collided mid-air with a helicopter in Washington DC, resulting in both aircraft crashing into the Potomac River.

The jet, which was coming from Wichita, Kansas, was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, along with three US Army soldiers on the military helicopter.

Airplane Collides with Helicopter on Air, 18 People Confirmed Dead, Location Announced
Source: Getty Images

Emergency Response and Casualty Update

Approximately 300 emergency responders were deployed in "rescue mode," with police divers and boats searching the water for survivors under windy and dark conditions.

Police officials informed the BBC's US partner CBS News that 18 bodies had been recovered, but there was no official update on casualties.

Presidential Briefing and Actions Taken

US President Donald Trump stated that he had been briefed on the "terrible accident" and thanked emergency responders for their "incredible work."

The collision occurred around 9pm local time as the aircraft approached Runway 33 at Reagan Washington National Airport, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

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Source: Legit.ng