President Donald Trump has spoken out following the devastating American Airlines crash in Washington DC.
American Airlines Flight 5342, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, was on its final approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport when it suddenly lost altitude at around 400 feet.
The plane tragically collided with a military helicopter.
According to The Guardian, the aircraft traveled approximately 140 miles per hour as it adjusted its trajectory to land on Runway 33.
Moments before impact, an air traffic controller reportedly radioed the approaching military helicopter, asking if it had the incoming jet in sight.
A second transmission followed: “PAT 25 pass behind the CRJ.” Seconds later, the two aircraft collided.
The plane’s radio transponder went silent just 2,400 feet short of the runway - directly over the Potomac River.
Emergency crews responded immediately, recovering at least 19 bodies from the river in the hours following the disaster.
A search is currently ongoing for the others who were onboard at the time.
In response to the catastrophe, President Donald Trump expressed his condolences and concern over the incident, per the Mirror.
"I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport," Trump stated. "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."
Hours later, Trump raised questions about the cause of the crash, criticizing the circumstances that led to the collision.
Posting on Truth Social, he said: "The airplane was on a perfect and routine line of approach to the airport. The helicopter was going straight at the airplane for an extended period of time. It is a CLEAR NIGHT, the lights on the plane were blazing, why didn’t the helicopter go up or down, or turn.
"Why didn’t the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane. This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!" he added.
Vice President JD Vance also commented on the situation, urging support for those affected.
"Please say a prayer for everyone involved in the mid-air collision near Reagan airport this evening. We’re monitoring the situation, but for now let’s hope for the best," he posted.
The collision has forced the temporary suspension of all flights at Reagan National Airport until at least 5:00AM on Friday. The airport addressed the disruption in a social media post:
"All takeoffs and landings have been halted at DCA. Emergency personnel are responding to an aircraft incident on the airfield. The terminal remains open. Will update."
Among those on board were members of the U.S. Figure Skating community.
"These athletes, coaches, and family members were returning home from the National Development Camp held in conjunction with the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas," U.S. Figure Skating said in a statement to CNN.
"We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims’ families closely in our hearts. We will continue to monitor the situation and will release more information as it becomes available."
The helicopter carried three military personnel, though officials have not confirmed whether they survived.
Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas mourned the devastating loss: "When one person dies it’s a tragedy, but when many, many, many people die, it’s an unbearable sorrow."
Our thoughts are with all those affected by this terrible tragedy.