A major emergency response is underway in the US after a passenger plane collided with a military helicopter just outside Washington D.C.
The American Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 was approaching the runway at Reagan National Airport in Virginia when it was hit by a Blackhawk helicopter just before 9pm local time.
Both the plane and helicopter then crash into the Potomac River.
American Airlines has confirmed that the plane that departed Witchita in Kansas had 60 passengers and four crew members, while the helicopter had three people on board.
There is no immediate word on casualties with unconfirmed reports that four people have been pulled from the river.
Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP) (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images
President Donald Trump has confirmed he has been briefed on the unfolding situation, describing it as a ‘terrible accident’.
“May God Bless their souls. Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders,” Trump said in a statement.
“I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise.”
More to come.
