Air traffic control audio describes moments after American Airlines flight collides in mid-air with helicopter

Harrowing air traffic control audio has shed more light on the horror American Airlines crash over Washington DC.

The PSA Airlines aircraft, which is owned by American Airlines, was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members when it crashed into a BlackHawk helicopter with three military personnel on board last night just before 9.00pm (January 29).

The accident occurred while Flight 5342 was preparing to land at Ronald Reagan National Airport, which has halted all take-offs and landings as law enforcement agencies across the region flew over the scene in search of survivors.

Both vehicles crashed into the Potomac River, with 18 bodies having been recovered so far.

American Airlines has since issued the following statement: "American Eagle Flight 5342 en route from Wichita, Kansas (ICT), to Washington, D.C. (DCA) was involved in an accident at DCA. The flight was operated by PSA Airlines with a CRJ-700.

"There were 60 passengers and four crew members on board the aircraft.

"Our concern is for the passengers and crew on board the aircraft. We are in contact with authorities and assisting with emergency response efforts.

Part of the wreckage is seen as rescue boats search the waters of the Potomac River after a plane on approach to Reagan National Airport crashed into the river (ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images)

"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."

In audio obtained by CBS News, a dispatcher can be heard describing the moments after both aircrafts were downed.

"The accident happened in the river," they say. "Both the helicopter and the plane crashed in the river."

Meanwhile, eye-witness Jimmy Mazeo told WUSA9 that he was eating his dinner at a nearby park when he saw 'white flares' in the sky, not realizing the seriousness of what had just happened.

Rescue boats search the waters of the Potomac River for survivors, and to recover bodies (ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images)

"We didn't really think much of it until we saw the fire trucks started going out to the tarmac and the police cars and boats. It was insane," he explained.

"I'm really in awe. Of course it's terrible what happened tonight, but I think that it's crazy we got to see what happened. I'm praying for all the people involved in this."

President Donald Trump has been briefed on the 'terrible accident'. He said in a statement: "May God Bless their souls.

"Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders."

While adding on his TruthSocial account: "This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!"