Dispatcher reported seeing fireball after plane crash in U.S.

A dispatcher who was working when a passenger plane and helicopter collided near Washington, D.C., said he saw a fireball immediately after the crash. A transcript of the Jan. 30 audio recording is cited by NBC television.

"It was probably somewhere in the middle of the river. I just saw a fireball and then it just disappeared. I haven't seen anything since they fell into the river," the publication quotes him as saying.

It is noted that the recording was made at the air traffic control tower.

After, the same dispatcher gave instructions to airplanes in the area to maintain their positions. In addition, specialists immediately after the plane crash ordered to close the airfield, all runways and stopped landing and any movement. Afterward, airplanes that were instructed to stay put were diverted to other airports.

Dispatchers also asked other airplanes for help with the search and rescue operation. They asked crewmembers if they had flashlights or other equipment that could help.

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The plane crash into the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan National Airport was reported on Jan. 29. A Bombardier CRJ700 passenger jet and a Blackhawk military helicopter collided in midair. On the Potomac River after the crash of the aircraft began a search and rescue operation, which involves about 300 specialists.

On board the fallen aircraft were 60 passengers and four crew members. There were three military men in the helicopter. There is no information about survivors. At the moment, the bodies of more than 30 victims have been extracted from the river. The U. S . Figure Skating Association (U. S. Figure Skating) confirmed that several skaters were on board the plane at the time of the collision. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed the information that Russian citizens were on board the plane.

The President of the United States Donald Trump called the airplane crash that occurred in Washington terrible. He emphasized that he is monitoring the situation and also promised to provide more information as it emerges.

Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) will tentatively be closed until at least 5:00 a.m. Friday, January 31. Takeoffs and landings have also been suspended.