Officials share update on complex rescue response after American Airlines plane collides with helicopter

A desperate search for survivors is underway after an American Airlines flight crashed into an army helicopter last night (January 29).

At 8.47pm ET, a BlackHawk chopper with three soldiers on board crashed into a PSA Airlines aircraft, which is owned by American Airlines, over the Potomac River in Washington DC.

There were 60 passengers and four crew members on board flight 5342, which took off from Wichita in Kansas, as it approached Ronald Reagan National Airport to land.

The wreckage of both the plane, which reportedly split in half, and the helicopter fell into the water below - which has been described as 'freezing' and a 'big patch of black' by emergency officials.

American Airlines, officials from emergency services and President Donald Trump have all released statements following the tragic incident.

Washington Fire and EMS (Emergency Medical Services) Chief John Donnelly spoke to reporters about the search party - which has included 300 first responders on the water, with 19 bodies having been recovered so far.

Speaking about the difficulties the divers face, he said: “The challenges are access. The water that we’re operating in is about 8ft deep.

"There is wind, there is pieces of ice out there. So it’s just dangerous and hard to work in.

"And because there’s not a lot of lights, you’re out there searching every square inch of space to see if you can find anybody.

DC Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly speaks at a press conference with other government officials on the rescue efforts following a collision between an American Airlines plane and an Army helicopter in Washington DC (Nathan Posner/Anadolu via Getty Images)

"Divers are doing the same thing in the water. The water is dark, it is murky, and that is a very tough condition for them to dive in."

Kansas Senator Jerry Moran, who sits on the Senate subcommittee for aviation safety, explained that US Congress will be looking into what has happened.

"We're praying that our responders are safe, and folks who are on that flight are recovered," he said, as he explained he's flown between Wichita and Washington DC 'many times myself'.

"We're going to know people on this flight... This is a very personal circumstance," Moran added.

President Trump also touched on the subject as he questioned the circumstances surrounding the horror crash.

Taking to Truth Social, he posted: "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.

A sea of 300 first responders have taken part in a search and rescue operation (Celal Gunes/Anadolu via Getty Images)

"This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!"

Before adding: "What a terrible night this has been. God bless you all!"

Meanwhile, American Airlines issued the following statement: "American Eagle Flight 5342 en-route from Wichita, Kansas (ICT), to Washington, D.C. (DCA) was involved in an accident at DCA. The flight was operated by PSA Airlines with a CRJ-700.

"There were 60 passengers and four crew members on board the aircraft. Our concern is for the passengers and crew on board the aircraft. We are in contact with authorities and assisting with emergency response efforts.

"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."

Adding: "American Airlines will continue to release information as it becomes available. Please monitor news.aa.com and American’s official X account @AmericanAir for the latest information."