Crash in the United States: what is known about the collision between an airliner and a helicopter

Terrible drama in Washington’s sky. An American airliner collided with a helicopter over the federal capital, the American authorities announced on Wednesday. A research and rescue operation in difficult conditions is underway at the scene of the accident. No assessment has yet been communicated.

What happened?

An airliner crashed into the Potomac river in Washington, after colliding with a military helicopter, the American authorities announced on Wednesday. The two devices fell into the river, said the mayor of Washington DC, Muriel Bowser.

According to the first elements provided by the American aviation regulator (FAA), it is an airplane from the Bombardier manufacturer operated by the PSA company which “collided at medium altitude” with a helicopter Sikorsky H-60 At the time of the approach to land at Reagan airport, which is on the edge of Washington.

A research and rescue operation involving the police and the firefighters is underway at the scene of the accident. Maryland state police have deployed divers in the Potomac river, Maryland governor Wes Moore said on Wednesday evening. Videos on the networks showed helicopters flying over the river, sweeping the waters with light beams.

The military helicopter involved in the crash was “training theft,” said a spokesperson for the US military, in a social media message by the Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth.

Who was on board?

In terms of assessment, no figure has yet been communicated by the authorities. However, we know that 60 passengers and four crew members were on the plane, according to the airline.

No official assessment has yet been communicated. The American media are talking, for the time being, “several dead”. At least 18 bodies were out of the water, said a local police officer with CBS News. The police released several bodies from the water, also learned of the Washington Post from anonymous sources.

How is research?

According to help, research operations could take several days. Washington’s firefighters and emergency medical services, John A. Donelly SR, said their mission was taking place under “dangerous” conditions.

“The water in which we intervene is deep. There is wind, pieces of ice, it is very dangerous and difficult to work under these conditions, “he explained. “The water is dark, troubled, and it is very difficult for us to dive,” he explained to CNN. The river is a large black spot at night, without any light, with the exception of a few luminous buoys ”.

What reactions?

President Donald Trump reacted in a statement published on Wednesday, saying that she had been “fully informed of the terrible accident”. “May God bless them,” he said, thanking in passing “the incredible work accomplished by help”.

The head of state also deemed, on his Truth social network, that the crash “should have been avoided”. “The helicopter went straight to the plane for an extended period. It’s a clear night, the plane lights were lit, why has the helicopter not mounted or descended, or did not turn? “, He wrote.

For his part, the boss of American Airlines, a company to which the plane belonged, expressed his “deep sorrow” after the disaster. He announced that he would go “shortly” on the spot, according to CNN.

What follow -up?

While research operations continue, the authorities have announced to open an investigation. The head of the Department of Defense, Pete Hegseth indicated the launch “immediate of an army investigation and the Ministry of Defense”.