US President Trump blames tower for plane crash: 'It could have been prevented if the tower had done its job'

As search and rescue efforts continue following the collision of an American Airlines passenger plane attempting to land at Reagan Washington National Airport and a military helicopter, which resulted in both crashing into the Potomac River, a new statement has come from US President Donald Trump.

'A BAD SITUATION THAT COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED'

Sharing on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated that the plane was approaching the airport as expected during the accident.

Noting that the helicopter had been moving directly toward the plane for a long time, Trump said, "It was a clear night and the plane's lights were on. Why didn't the helicopter move 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 accident looks like a bad situation that could have been prevented."

TRUMP HAD SAID HE WAS FOLLOWING THE PROCESS

In his first statement regarding the accident, Trump had stated that he was being informed in detail about the incident and thanked the first responders.

Trump had used the words, "I am monitoring the situation and will share more detailed information as the details become clear."

HOW DID THE ACCIDENT HAPPEN?

A Bombardier CRJ700 passenger plane belonging to the regional airline PSA, which operates flights on behalf of American Airlines, collided with a US military Black Hawk (H-60) helicopter while descending for landing and crashed into the Potomac River.

AT LEAST 18 PEOPLE LOST THEIR LIVES

It was announced that there were 60 passengers and 4 crew members on the plane that took off from Wichita, Kansas, while it was stated that the helicopter, which took off from the Fort Belvoir military base in Virginia, was carrying 3 personnel.

According to information obtained from law enforcement, the lifeless bodies of at least 18 people have been recovered during the searches conducted in the Potomac River.