Deaths in military helicopter-passenger plane collision near Washington

American sources reported that there were deaths and bodies were recovered after an American Airlines passenger plane collided with a military helicopter while approaching Reagan Airport in Washington, while President Donald Trump was surprised that the accident happened in this way.

American Airlines confirmed that its plane was on a domestic flight from Kansas with 60 passengers and 4 crew members on board when the accident occurred over the Potomac River, around 9 p.m. local time on Wednesday.

CBS quoted a police source as saying that rescue teams have recovered the bodies of more than 18 people so far from the Potomac River, and no survivors have been found.

The Washington Post also quoted informed sources as saying that the bodies of a number of passengers were recovered from the river.

Republican US Senator Ted Cruz confirmed in a post on the X platform that there were deaths.

While NBC reported that 4 passengers were rescued, CNN quoted a security source as saying that the search for survivors had become more difficult.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said search and rescue efforts were continuing, adding that investigations into the collision had begun.

According to CNN, dozens of rescuers are participating in diving operations in the Potomac River to search for survivors.

American media also quoted the Governor of Maryland as saying that the police had sent a submarine to the site to participate in the search efforts.

The US military confirmed that 3 soldiers were on board the Black Hawk helicopter that collided with the passenger plane, noting that its helicopter took off from Fort Belvoir in Virginia.

According to US media, the military helicopter was on a training flight when the accident occurred.

The Associated Press said the collision occurred in a heavily guarded area about 5 kilometers south of the White House and Congress.

Trump wonders

In response, President Donald Trump expressed surprise that the military helicopter flew towards the passenger plane until it collided with it.

Trump wrote, "Why didn't the helicopter fly higher, land, or turn around, and why didn't the control tower tell the helicopter what to do?"

"The crash could have been avoided if the plane flew on a perfect path and the helicopter was heading directly towards it for a long time," he added.

The US President had said earlier that he had been fully briefed on what he described as a horrific incident that occurred near Reagan Airport in Washington.

He added that he is following the situation and will provide more details as soon as they emerge.

Also in response, US House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed his deep sorrow over what he called the horrific tragedy at Reagan Airport.

Following the incident, Reagan Airport was closed and flights were diverted to Baltimore International Airport.

The US Federal Aviation Administration said the airport will remain closed until at least 5 a.m. Friday, Washington time.

Source: Al Jazeera + Agencies + American Press