New statement from US officials on plane crash: What are the details of the accident?

A passenger plane carrying 60 passengers and a crew of 4, and a military helicopter with 3 military personnel on board, collided in the air and crashed near the central airport in the US capital. The American Airlines passenger plane and the military helicopter fell into the Potomac River following the collision. An investigation into the accident has been launched.

Reports in the American media stated that there have been no survivors from the crash so far. Footage of the moment the plane and helicopter collided in the air appeared on social media, all flights at the airport were urgently halted, and security measures were taken in the area.

No official statement has yet been made regarding whether there are any survivors among the 64 people on board the plane that crashed into the Potomac River.

An official speaking to CBS News stated that 30 lifeless bodies had been recovered from the river. Officials also shared information that the reason why the helicopter was flying at that time and altitude is being investigated.

Approximately 300 police, medical, and rescue personnel were dispatched to the vicinity of Ronald Reagan Airport and the Potomac River, and a large-scale search and rescue operation was launched.

It was stated that personnel are racing against time due to the cold air and water temperatures.

STATEMENTS FROM OFFICIALS

Making a brief statement about the accident during a live broadcast on Fox News, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt noted that US President Donald Trump has been informed and that they are monitoring developments in real-time. Leavitt expressed that they are 'monitoring developments regarding the tragic event moment by moment.'

American Airlines officials, speaking to the US media, reported that there were 60 passengers and a crew of 4 on the plane arriving in the capital Washington from Kansas.

Pentagon officials speaking to the American media shared the information that there were 3 military personnel on the downed military helicopter, but no high-level officials.

Officials speaking to CNN confirmed that some athletes from the US Figure Skating team were also on the plane.

US President Donald Trump claimed that 'the tower was at fault' in the accident. Investigations into the accident are ongoing.

WHAT DID TRUMP SAY?

In a written statement regarding the accident, Trump stated that he is closely monitoring the developments and praying for the survival of the people. Thanking the first responders to the incident, Trump emphasized that they would share information as developments occur.

Later, making a statement on the Truth Social media platform, Trump underlined that the plane was descending toward the runway on its own route and stated the following:

''The helicopter was heading directly toward the plane for a long time. It was a clear night and the plane's lights were on. Instead of asking if they saw the plane, why didn't the control tower tell the helicopter what to do? It was an avoidable accident. This is not good.''

US Vice President JD Vance also wrote in a post on the X social media platform, asking for prayers for everyone and saying, 'We are monitoring the situation, but for now, let's hope for the best.'

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy also announced in their statements that the situation is being monitored.

American Airlines CEO Robert Isom expressed in a statement on the company's website that they are deeply saddened by the accident. Stating that they are in communication with local and federal authorities regarding the investigation of the incident and search and rescue efforts, Isom emphasized that they are doing everything in their power.

News Source: AA