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Jet carrying 64 people collides with helicopter, crashes into Washington DC river

At least two bodies have been recovered following the collision according to US media reports.

An American Airlines passenger jet carrying 64 people collided mid-air with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan Washington National Airport, officials have confirmed.

At least two bodies have been recovered following the collision – which occurred Wednesday night local time – NBC News affiliate WBAL reported.

Earlier, Texas Senator Ted Cruz stated on social media that “we know there are fatalities,” but did not specify the number.

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that a PSA Airlines regional jet collided midair with a Black Hawk helicopter while approaching Reagan Airport. A US Army spokesperson confirmed that one of its helicopters was involved in the crash.

The aircraft involved was PSA Airlines Flight 5342, operating on behalf of American Airlines. It had departed from Wichita, Kansas, and was carrying 60 passengers and four crew according to the airline.

Emergency services, including multiple agencies, launched a search and rescue operation in the Potomac River, which runs alongside the airport.

Reagan Airport announced late on Wednesday that all flights had been suspended while emergency crews responded to the crash.

The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) stated that it was gathering further information on the incident.

The last fatal passenger plane crash in the United States occurred in February 2009. However, a series of recent near-misses has raised concerns about aviation safety.

American Airlines acknowledged reports of the incident on social media, stating that it was “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.”

The airline said it would provide further updates as more details become available.

Source: sbs.com.au