Featured Image Credit: WUSA9
Topics: American Airlines, US News, Washington
Callum Jones
A man who witnessed the horror American Airlines crash has described seeing a 'white flare' as the passenger plane collided with the helicopter.
Shockwaves were sent across the world overnight as a PSA Airlines aircraft, which is owned by American Airlines, crashed into a BlackHawk helicopter in Washington D.C.
The commercial aircraft was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, while the US Army helicopter had three military personnel on board, according to reports.
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The incident occurred while Flight 5342 was preparing to land at Ronald Reagan National Airport, with both aircrafts crashing into the Potomac River.
19 bodies have been recovered from the river at the time of writing.
"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," American Airlines said in a statement provided to UNILAD.
"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.
"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."
Jimmy Mazeo was sat eating dinner with his girlfriend at a nearby park when he saw 'white flares' in the sky. But he did not notice the seriousness of what had just happened until the emergency services arrived at the scene.
"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 told WUSA9.
Initially, Mazeo thought what he saw 'were shooting stars' - but he quickly came to the realization as to what had happened.
"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'.
"May God Bless their souls," he said in a statement. "Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders."
Speaking further on his TruthSocial account, Trump added: "This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!"