At least 19 bodies have been recovered after an American Airlines passenger jet collided mid-air with a US army helicopter
Donald Trump has questioned the circumstances surrounding the tragic American Airlines plane crash last night (29 January).
At least 19 bodies have been recovered after a PSA Airlines jet, operating as American Airlines 5432, collided mid-air with a military helicopter at around 9.00pm local time.
The Bombardier CRJ700, which had departed from Wichita, Kansas, collided with a Sikorsky H-60 that had taken off from Fort Belvoir in Virginia. 60 passengers and four crew members were on board the passenger plane, while three soldiers were on board the helicopter.
What Donald Trump has said about the American Airlines plane crash
US President Trump said he has been briefed on the ‘terrible accident’, and has thanked first responders for their ‘incredible work.’
However, the 78-year-old believes it ‘looks like it should have been prevented’.
“The airplane was on a perfect and routine line of approach to the airport,” he wrote on his social media site Truth Social.
“The helicopter was going straight at the airplane for an extended period of time.
President Donald Trump has commented on the incident (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
“It is a CLEAR NIGHT, the lights on the plane were blazing, why didn’t the helicopter go 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 is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!”
He added: “What a terrible night this has been. God bless you all!”
Chilling air traffic audio has been released by American Airlines, as dispatchers witnessed the aftermath of the tragic crash.
“The accident happened in the river,” an official said, according to CBS.
“Both the helicopter and the plane crashed in the river.”
Rescue workers attended the scene (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
“It was probably out in the middle of the river. Um, I just saw a fireball and then it was just gone. I haven’t seen anything since they hit the river,” a controller also said, according to NBC.
“But it was a CR-J and a helicopter that hit, I would say a half-mile of the approach.”
What has American Airlines said?
“American Eagle Flight 5342 en route from Wichita, Kansas (ICT), to Washington, D.C. (DCA) was involved in an accident at DCA. The flight was operated by PSA Airlines with a CRJ-700,” American Airlines said in a statement.
“There were 60 passengers and four crew members on board the aircraft.
“Our concern is for the passengers and crew on board the aircraft. We are in contact with authorities and assisting with emergency response efforts.”
“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.”
LADbible Group has contacted American Airlines for an update.
Featured Image Credit: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
