According to the BBC, around 300 rescuers in inflatable boats have been dispatched to comb the Potomac River for survivors, stated John Donnelly, the chief of Washington, DC’s fire and emergency services.
“The main difficulty is getting access,” Donnelly explained. “There’s wind, chunks of ice on the water, making it both dangerous and challenging to work in.”
Later, Donnelly confirmed, “Despite the team’s best efforts, we’ve reached a point where we are transitioning from a rescue mission to a recovery operation. At this stage, we don’t believe there are any survivors from the crash.”
@metrouk A man waiting for his wife at Reagan National Airport revealed the final text she sent to him before her flight collided with a military helicopter. 64 people were on the passenger plane and three soldiers inside the helicopter. A desperate search operation involving hundreds of first responders is now focused on the nearby Potomac River after both aircraft plunged into the freezing water. #fyp#americanairlines#helicopter#blackhawkhelicopter#breakingnews#newsupdate#airport#reagannationalairport#usnews#us#washington
In response to the devastating crash, American Airlines released an official statement:
“American Eagle Flight 5342, traveling from Wichita, Kansas (ICT) to Washington, D.C. (DCA), was involved in an accident upon arrival at DCA. The flight, operated by PSA Airlines using a CRJ-700 aircraft, was tragically affected.
“Our thoughts are with the passengers and crew on board. We are actively working with authorities and providing support in the emergency response efforts.”
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump, who had just assumed office on Monday, stated that he was closely monitoring the situation and had received a thorough briefing on “the horrible accident.”
“May God bless their souls,” he expressed, also taking a moment to acknowledge the efforts of emergency responders: “Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders.”
