Officials Provide Update to DC Plane Collision with Army Blackhawk
A flag is draped in a hall in Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Virginia. (Tim Mossholder/Unsplash)
At around 8:40 pm on Wednesday evening, an American Airlines aircraft and U.S. Army Blackhawk crashed: U.S. government officials addressed the nation just hours after.
Article by Avery Junker, Junior White House Correspondent
ARLINGTON, Va. - The Mayor of Washington DC, Muriel Bowser, spoke at the Reagan National Airport just minutes before 1:00 am. She referred to the process as a rescue operation, when speaking of the first responders currently working in and near the crash site. Additionally, she extended the American Airlines' helpline nationally and encouraged those looking for loved ones to contact the company, before turning over the microphone to other relevant officials.
This press conference clarified the tragedy's timeline but did not offer information on the current state of the rescue mission. At 8:48 pm, a regional response was sent out regarding a crash between two aircraft. This response called for rescue units, who began to work almost immediately. Conditions were difficult on the river, with cold water temperatures and high wind speeds challenging the rescue mission.
Each official who spoke expressed the valiant efforts of their teams and the sadness they felt looking in on this tragedy. Sen. Jerry Moran (R), who championed American Airlines having a direct flight from Witchita to D.C. felt especially touched by this experience. He went as far as to say that he took this flight many times. His colleague Sen. Roger Marshall (R) spoke next, quoting a verse from the Bible: Psalm 34:18 in his address, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
The surrounding press were permitted to ask a few questions but received limited responses. Namely, Mayor Bowser commented on the private nature of the investigation and urged local citizens to stay safe during this uncertain time. Specifically, she said that information on the current number of casualties or survivors recovered thus far could not be released. Although officials did not name a casualty number, their grim faces and sorrowful tones told Americans plenty about the situation on the Potomac.
Reagan National Airport will be closed until at least 11:00 am. Officials assume that after this time, flights will resume, and the airport will reopen.
This is a developing breaking news story. Additional updates will be posted as more information is released. American Airlines has asked, “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.”