Lawmakers from different states in the U.S. shared their sympathy and sorrow following a tragic event where a passenger plane collided with a military helicopter near Reagan National Airport in the Washington, D.C. area on Wednesday night.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet, operating as an American Airlines flight, collided with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter as it was approaching Reagan National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, around 9 p.m. local time. The flight had departed from Wichita, Kansas, earlier that day.
The passenger flight was carrying 60 individuals, but the exact number of injuries and fatalities has not been confirmed yet. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who had just commenced his work on Monday, expressed awareness of the incident in a post on X.
“DoD actively monitoring,” read Hegseth’s tweet. “Poised to assist if needed. Prayers for all involved.”
REAGAN NATIONAL AIRPORT CRASH: MILITARY BLACK HAWK HELICOPTER COLLIDES MIDAIR WITH AMERICAN AIRLINES JET
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed his presence at the FAA building, investigating the incident. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also shared a message from President Donald Trump on Wednesday night.
“I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport,” the statement read. “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.”
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna from Florida expressed her sorrow upon hearing about the crash.
“Our prayers are with all families impacted by the tragic plane crash that just took place here in DC,” Luna’s post read. “Incredibly heartbreaking.”
Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears stated that she was keeping all those affected in her prayers.
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A collision took place near Reagan National Airport on Wednesday. (Fox News Digital)
“My office is following the breaking and tragic news of a collision at @Reagan_Airport,” the lieutenant governor wrote. “We pray for the victims, first rescuers, and all those impacted.”
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated on X that she was “deploying every available US Coast Guard resource for search and rescue efforts in this horrific incident at DCA.”
“We are actively monitoring the situation & stand ready to support local responders,” the former South Dakota governor wrote. “Praying for the victims and first responders.”
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, the FAA and American Airlines for more information.
An Army Black Hawk helicopter collided midair with an American Airlines jet at Reagan Washington National airport. (EarthCam)
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Authorities are actively investigating the crash.
Fox News Digital’s Greg Wehner and Louis Casiano contributed to this report.
