‘Deeply worrying’: Passenger jet and military helicopter collide in Washington DC
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First responders have swarmed an airport in Washington DC close to the White House after a passenger jet and military helicopter collided and crashed into the Potomac River.
US correspondent Jonathan Kearsley has shed light on the “unfolding but deeply worrying” situation.
“This is a very desperate search now, it is a very desperate situation and the first time we’ve seen a passenger aircraft involved in a collision in the United States in a significant amount of time,” Kearsley said on 3AW Afternoons.
Press PLAY to hear the latest on the situation in the United States
There were no survivors from the crash, with the American Airlines jet carrying 60 passengers and four crew on board, and the military helicopter carrying three soldiers.
All takeoffs and landings have been halted at Reagan National Airport as search and rescue operations are carried out.
Danielle Pletka, who was born in Melbourne but now based in Washington DC, said the mood over there is one of “shock and horror”.
“It’s just intensely shocking for everyone,” Ms Pletka told Jacqui Felgate on 3AW Drive.
Press PLAY to hear her describe the scene in Washington DC
Image: Al Drago/Getty