Photo: Alamy
President Donald Trump released multiple statements after reports that an American Airlines jet carrying 60 passengers and four crew members collided with an Army helicopter that was on a training flight.
The collision occurred near the Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, with search-and-rescue efforts soon deployed in the nearby Potomac River.
“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,” he wrote.
The president also addressed the crash in posts on his Truth Social profile.
“The airplane was on a perfect and routine line of approach to the airport. The helicopter was going straight at the airplane for an extended period of time. It is a CLEAR NIGHT, the lights on the plane were blazing, why didn’t the helicopter go up or down, or turn. Why didn’t the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane. This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!” Trump wrote in an initial post.
“What a terrible night this has been. God bless you all!” he later added.
The helicopter carried three soldiers, according to CBS News.
Chief John Donnelly of the District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services stated during a Thursday morning news briefing that 27 bodies were recovered from the plane and one from the helicopter, the outlet added.
“We don’t believe there are any survivors,” he stated, noting that efforts are now focused on rescue rather than recovery.
The incident occurred around 9 p.m. Wednesday while the plane and helicopter were reportedly landing. The flight originated from Wichita, Kansas.
A dive team reportedly found one of the two data recorders from the plane during rescue and recovery efforts.
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin posted to X, “I have been briefed by our Emergency Management team and Virginia State Police about the tragic crash at Reagan National Airport tonight. Extensive resources are fully supporting the search and rescue efforts.”
He added, “First responders from across Northern Virginia, DC and Maryland mobilized quickly. I ask everyone to pray for the passengers, crews, their families, and brave first responders.”
