The American Airlines flight, which collided with a Black Hawk helicopter, was carrying 64 people. Three soldiers were in the chopper.
Washington Fire Chief John Donnelly confirmed at a press conference at Reagan National Airport that no survivors were expected.
Caught on cam: American Airlines flight with 64 people on board collides with US Army helicopter carrying 3 soldiers near Regan National Airport in #WashingtonDC over the Potomac River. pic.twitter.com/tEJ2T3IxYl
— India Blooms (@indiablooms) January 30, 2025
Donnelly said there are no survivors in the accident and the rescue operation will be converted into a recovery operation.
About 300 first responders searched for the bodies in the freezing river, said DC Fire chief John A. Donnelly.
Air traffic controllers had warned the US Army Blackhawk helicopter that it was on course to collide with a passenger jet.
Audio captured during the accident reveals audible gasps from the control room as the crash unfolded.
The collision occurred on Wednesday night, when the helicopter collided with a Bombardier aircraft, operated by an American Airlines subsidiary, which was approaching for landing at Reagan National Airport.
Following a "fireball" explosion, both aircraft plunged into the icy Potomac River.