Donald Trump has shared his thoughts on the tragic mid-air crash involving an American Airlines regional jet and a military helicopter near Reagan National Airport, expressing concern that the incident “should have been prevented.”
In his initial statement, the former president offered his prayers for the victims while emergency crews continued their search in the Potomac River, close to the airport.
Trump Questions the Cause of the Crash in Social Media Post
Later in the evening, Trump took to Truth Social to raise several questions regarding the crash, stating that the passenger plane was on a routine approach to the airport while the helicopter appeared to be heading directly toward the plane for an extended period.
He questioned why the helicopter did not change course and why the control tower didn’t provide clearer guidance to the helicopter.
Trump expressed his belief that the situation was preventable, calling it “not good” and emphasizing the need for answers.
President Trump Offers Condolences and Updates on the Crash Situation
In an official statement, President Trump expressed his sorrow for the tragedy and assured that he was being kept up-to-date on the situation.
He praised the first responders for their efforts and promised to provide further details as they became available.
Trump also sent his condolences, praying for the victims and their families during this difficult time.
Vice President JD Vance and Other Officials Offer Prayers for Victims
Vice President JD Vance shared his thoughts on social media, asking the public to pray for everyone involved in the collision near Reagan National Airport.
Other government officials, including Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, also expressed their concerns, with Duffy stating that he was closely monitoring the situation from the FAA headquarters.
Emergency Services and Rescue Teams Respond to the Scene
The crash occurred just before 9 p.m. on Wednesday night as the passenger plane, Flight 5342 from Wichita, Kansas, was approaching Reagan National Airport.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet collided with a Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk military helicopter, which was carrying three soldiers at the time.
Emergency services rushed to the Potomac River, where at least four people have been rescued from the water.
Investigation Underway Following the Collision Between American Airlines Jet and Military Helicopter
The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched investigations into the cause of the mid-air collision.
Preliminary reports indicate that the crash took place while the passenger aircraft was on its final approach to Runway 33 at the airport.
The investigation will aim to determine why the collision occurred and how it can be prevented in the future.
Rescue Efforts Continue as Authorities Search for Survivors in the Potomac River
DC Fire and EMS, along with other local agencies, coordinated a search and rescue operation in the Potomac River.
Authorities confirmed that emergency responders were actively looking for any survivors in the water after the collision.
Images from the scene show numerous emergency vehicles along the riverside, while helicopters with searchlights were seen flying over the river, looking for any signs of life.
White House and Local Officials Acknowledge the Seriousness of the Incident
The White House confirmed that President Trump had been briefed on the crash and was monitoring the situation closely.
Local officials, including Senator Roger Marshall from Kansas, shared their condolences and requested prayers for the victims, including the passengers and crew of Flight 5342.
American Airlines, in a statement, acknowledged the incident and promised to provide updates as more information becomes available.
National and International Attention Focuses on the Crash and Its Aftermath
As news of the collision spreads, many have turned their attention to the investigation and the ongoing rescue efforts.
With several people still in critical condition and emergency crews working tirelessly, the crash has become a national and international tragedy that has left the public seeking answers and hoping for the best possible outcome for all involved.
FAA and NTSB to Lead Investigation into Collision Between Passenger Plane and Military Helicopter
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are leading the investigation into the collision.
The FAA confirmed that the crash occurred as the regional jet was approaching Reagan National Airport, and officials will be looking into both the technical and human factors that may have contributed to the incident.
The investigation is expected to take time as authorities piece together the events leading up to the collision.
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