American Airlines flight and Black Hawk helicopter disaster: at least 18 bodies recovered

An American Airlines plane has crashed into a river after colliding with a US Army helicopter mid-air in Washington DC.

Hopes are dwindling for survivors with officials warning there are "many, many" dead after the jet plunged into Potomac River and split in two.

Surveillance footage taken from inside the airport captured the moment the plane and chopper crashed

Boats work at the scene on the Potomac River after a passenger jet and military helicopter collided in midair

Rescue teams gather near Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington after the accident

The plane was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members when it crashed with a Black Hawk helicopter just before 9pm.

At least 18 bodies have reportedly been pulled from the river as rescue crews frantically search in the freezing waters.

Police divers and boats are scouring the river in windy, dark conditions.

Officials say there are "many, many, many" people dead, but have not confirmed the tragic toll.

More than 300 emergency workers are at the scene, with the airport’s fire chief saying the operation will last "many hours".

Washington DC’s mayor Muriel Bowser said firefighters are working "diligently" in the cold.

Washington DC’s emergency chief John Donnelly added: "There is wind. There are pieces of ice in the water.

"And because there is not a lot of light, you are out there searching every square inch of space.

"These are very tough conditions for [rescuers] to dive in."

Flight 5342 from Kansas was landing at Ronald Regan International Airport when it collided with the Sikorsky H-60.

The US Army has confirmed that one of its Blackhawk helicopters was involved in the incident - with three soldiers on board and none said to be senior officials.

After crashing into the river, reports from the scene say the plane split in two while the chopper said to be on a training flight - is upside down in the water.

A web camera shot from the Kennedy Center in Washington showed an explosion mid-air across the Potomac around 8.47pm with an aircraft in flames crashing down rapidly.

The Federal Aviation Administration said it was conducting an investigation into the crash.

The airport is set to remain closed until at least 11am.

American Airlines chief Robert Isom expressed his "deep sorrow" over the crash and said it is a "difficult day".

He added: "Are efforts now are focussed on entirely on the needs our passengers, crew members, partners, first responders - along with their families and loved ones."

President Donald Trump said he is "monitoring" the situation - and claimed the incident "should have been prevented".

He said: "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.”

Dozens of police, ambulance and rescue units, some ferrying boats, were seen racing to positions along the tarmac of Reagan airport.

Live TV images showed several boats in the water, flashing blue and red lights.

Police said multiple agencies were involved in a search and rescue operation in the Potomac River, which borders the airport.

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 Federal Aviation Authority said that the jet, a Bombardier CRJ700, collided with a Sikorksy H-60 Black Hawk helicopter while on approach to Runway 33.

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 FAA statement said: "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 [National Transportation Safety Board] will investigate. The NTSB will lead the investigation."

There has not been a fatal U.S. passenger aircraft accident since February 2009, but a series of near-miss incidents in recent years have raised serious safety concerns.

The National Transportation Safety Board said it was gathering more information on the incident.

Fire engines and other emergency vehicles gather near the Potomac River

A police car is seen racing to scene with Reagan Washington National Airport in the background

David Wilson