Hopes fade for survivors after passenger jet crashes mid-air with military helicopter over DC’s freezing Potomac river: live updates

Hopes are beginning to fade for survivors as rescue crews scour the Potomac River, where the water temperature is just 37 degrees Fahrenheit.

NBC Chief Meteorologist Doug Kammerer said that at the time of the incident the water temperature in the river was around 37 degrees Fahrenheit.

Earlier on Wednesday it dropped as low as 36 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Kammerer said that at that temperature someone in the water has only 15 to 20 minutes before they start suffering from hypothermia.

The National Weather Service reported that wind gusts of up to 25 mph were possible in the area throughout the evening.

Sen. Jerry Moran, a Republican from Kansas, said the plane that crashed was flying a route from Wichita to Washington that began about a year ago.

“I know that flight,” he said. “I’ve flown it several times myself.”

Moran said he expected that many people in Wichita would know people who were on the flight.

“This is a very personal circumstance,” he said.

Reagan National Airport will remain closed until at least 11am ET Thursday, president and CEO of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Jack Potter said.

Initially, officials expected the airport to stay closed until 5am, but the rescue operation is still well underway.

In addition to the water being dark and murky, officials have now revealed there are still ‘pieces of ice’ in the frigid waters.

Muriel Bowser revealed in the press conference that officials are not prepared to share a current death toll, or reveal if there are any survivors, tonight.

They hope to provide more information in the morning, but have assured the public and loved ones that rescue efforts will continue through the night, despite the rough conditions.

Loved ones of passengers on board the doomed flight had already arrived at the airport to pick them up, officials said.

Those loved ones are now receiving assistance amid public call outs for others to come forward.

The initial call that the crash had occurred took place at 8.48pm.

Authorities arrived at 8.58pm and immediately set to work trying to search for survivors.

District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Chief John Donnelly told the public the conditions are ‘extremely rough’ on first responders.

“It’s a highly complex operation, the conditions out there are extremely rough for the responders. It’s cold. They’re dealing with relatively windy conditions,” Donnelly said.

Mayor Muriel Bowser revealed in the early hours of Thursday morning rescue crews are ‘working diligently in cold and dangerous water.’

‘I’m told American Airlines leaderships is on the way to Washington. Officials are in the airport talking to families now.’

CityCruise yachts are now in the Potomac River and appear to be assisting with the search efforts.

Family and friends of passengers in Wichiave ta hinvited to wait for additional information with an incident support team at Wichita Airport, the Kansas city airport posted on X.

“We are waiting for details about the crash in DC and will provide updates as information becomes available,” the post read.

‘This is a difficult day for all of us at American Airlines,’ Robert Isom said.

‘I know there are many questions and at this early stage I will not be able to answer all of them.

‘We are actively working with local, state and federal authorities… We’re cooperating fully. We want to learn everything we can about today’s events.’

CBS reports that 18 bodies have been pulled from the wreckage so far.

It is understood the site has three main ‘debris fields’ in the water.

According to the publication, there have not been any survivors found at this stage.

High-beam lights have been set up along the western bank of the Potomac River in an effort to help find survivors.

Multiple boats and first responders from across the nation are gathered in the area.

“I’m deeply saddened to learn about the horrific tragedy at Reagan National Airport,” he wrote on X.

“Please join me in praying for everyone involved as well as our first responders.”

The last fatal crash involving a U.S. commercial airline occurred in 2009 in New York, according to the National Transportation Safety Board.

Everyone aboard the Bombardier DHC-8 propeller plane was killed, including 45 passengers, 2 pilots and 2 flight attendants. Another person on the ground also died, bringing the total death toll to 50.

An investigation determined that the captain accidentally caused the plane to stall as it approached the airport in Buffalo.

Officials have now confirmed the Army helicopter was on a training flight at the time of the collision.

“We can confirm that the aircraft involved in tonight’s incident was an Army UH-60 helicopter from Bravo Company, 12th Aviation Battalion, out of Davison Army Airfield, Fort Belvoir during a training flight,” the official said.

The airport has been closed until at least 5am, officials say.

According to CNN, fatalities have been confirmed as rescue crews wade through the icy cold waters.

It is understood that no survivors have been pulled from the water so far, but the operation is still a rescue mission.

Hamaad Raza reveals his wife was on board the tragic flight and was texting him as they were landing.

‘I’m just praying that someone is pulling her out of the river right now as we speak.

‘That’s all I can pray for. I’m just praying to God,’ he said.

Raza revealed his wife text him while on board and told him the plane was ‘landing in 20 minutes.’

He responded to the message, and realized ‘something might be up’ when he noticed it went undelivered.

American Airlines said: ‘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.’

Secretary Kristi Noem has revealed: ‘Every available US Coast Guard resource for search and rescue efforts in this horrific incident at DCA.

‘We are actively monitoring the situation & stand ready to support local responders. Praying for the victims and first responders.’

According to local reports, the plane has been split in two and is now in a body of water about seven feet deep.

NBC reports: ‘Split in two and is in about 7 feet of water…[T]he helicopter is upside down and is not stable, and it is bobbing up and down.

‘Sometimes it’s underwater, sometimes it’s above, and divers have not been able to make entry into the helicopter yet because of the lack of stability there.’

Edward Kelly, General President of the International Association of Fire Fighters, said: ‘Dozens of other firefighters engaged in dive operations. They’re doing everything they can to bring survivors to safety.’

Washington DC resident Abadi Ismail told CNN he heard ‘two unusual bangs, something I’ve never heard of.’

The 38-year-old said it “kind of sounded like a warzone.”

He rushed to his window but by the time he got there there was ‘nothing but a little bit of smoke.’

Now, he said helicopters and boats have ‘lit up the area.’

In audio from the air traffic control tower around the time of the crash, a controller is heard asking the helicopter, ‘PAT25 do you have the CRJ in sight,’ in reference to the passenger aircraft.

‘Tower, did you see that?’ another pilot is heard calling seconds after the apparent collision. The tower immediately began diverting other aircraft from Reagan.

“I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport. May God Bless their souls. Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise.”

Officials say three soldiers were on board the Black Hawk helicopter at the time of the crash.

None of those on board were senior officials.

According to NBC, four people have been pulled from the water so far.

They have reportedly been taken to North Boathouse Fire Station at Reagan National Airport for further assessment as first responders continue to scour the river.

American Airlines have confirmed there are 60 passengers and four crew on board the plane.

‘A PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet collided in midair with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while on approach to Runway 33 at Reagan Washington National Airport around 9 p.m. local time.

‘PSA was operating as Flight 5342 for American Airlines. It departed from Wichita, Kansas.The FAA and NTSB will investigate.

‘The NTSB will lead the investigation.We will provide updates as information comes in.’

American Airlines have released a statement confirming they are aware a PSA plane was involved in the crash.

“We’re 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. We will provide information as it becomes available,” American Airlines said in a statement.

A US Army official has confirmed that the passenger plane collided with an Army Blackhawk in the crash near Reagan airport.

‘Tonight, we received devastating news of what can only be described as nothing short of a nightmare. 

‘A plane, traveling to the Nation’s capital from Wichita, KS carrying roughly 60 passengers collided with a Military helicopter.

My prayer is that God wraps his arms around each and every victim and that he continues to be with their families. 

‘There are no words that can make telling this story any easier. I ask the world to join me in praying for Kansas this evening, the first responders, rescue crews, and all those involved in this horrific accident.

‘I have been in contact with local and national authorities asking for answers and will continue to demand more information on how this unfolded.’

In a statement to CNN, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told CNN President Trump has been made aware of the crash, he is continuing to monitor it from the White House.

She said the Trump administration sends its thoughts and prayers to anyone involved.

‘Tragically, it appears that a military helicopter collided with a military jet.’

Vice President JD Vance was among the first to comment on the unfolding tragedy.

He wrote on X: ‘Please say a prayer for everyone involved in the mid-air collision near Reagan airport this evening.

‘We’re monitoring the situation, but for now let’s hope for the best.’

In a statement, DC Police said: ‘At 8:53pm, multiple calls were received for an aircraft crash above the Potomac River.

‘DC Fire and EMS, the Metropolitan Police Department and multiple partner agencies are currently coordinating a search and rescue operation in the Potomac River. There is no confirmed information on casualties at this time.

The airport said in a post to X: ‘All takeoffs and landings have been halted at DCA. Emergency personnel are responding to an aircraft incident on the airfield. The terminal remains open. Will update.’

An aircraft has crashed while attempting to land at Reagan National Airport in Washington DC.

Emergency services in Washington DC said that a small aircraft had crashed in the Potomac River near the airport.

Fireboats are currently on the scene scouring the river, with details of the crash including the cause and how many people were onboard still unknown.