An airplane crash near the Washington airport. What we know by this hour

Updated at 08:53 Moscow time.

A Bombardier CRJ700 passenger jet and a Blackhawk military helicopter collided near Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) in Washington, D.C., on the night of January 29-30. Authorities have launched a rescue operation. "Izvestia" tells what is known by this hour.

Airplane crash near the airport in Washington - details

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the United States said that the regional aircraft Bombardier CRJ700 collided in the air with a Blackhawk helicopter on approach to runway 33 at Reagan Washington National Airport at about 21:00 local time (5:00 Moscow time - Ed.).

It is noted that the board was performing flight 5342 for American Airlines. It departed from Wichita, Kansas. In turn, according to CNN, the helicopter was making a training flight. It is noted that there were 60 passengers and four crew members on board the downed aircraft. There were three military personnel in the helicopter.

According to CBS News, at least 18 bodies were found in the Potomac River. According to the sources of the TV channel, the airplane after the impact broke into two parts. Divers are now working at the crash site.

After the incident, the National airport named after Ronald Reagan closed at least until the morning of January 31.

Reaction of the authorities

Shortly after the disaster, US President Donald Trump was informed about it. He emphasized that he was monitoring the situation and also promised to provide more information as it emerged. According to him, the plane was on a perfect approach trajectory to the airport. The helicopter was heading straight for him for an extended period of time.

He criticized the dispatch services, pointing out that the disaster could have been avoided.

In turn, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that the Pentagon immediately launched an investigation into the collision of the plane and helicopter.