American Airlines CEO Robert Isom has issued a heartfelt message to family members whose loved ones were onboard a passenger flight that crashed with a military helicopter Wednesday night.
Up to 18 fatalities have been reported following the collision at Reagan International Airport in Washington DC just before 9pm, with emergency responders scouring the Potomac River to find and rescue any survivors.
‘First and most importantly, I’d like to express our deep sorrow about these events,’ Isom said in a video posted to social media.
‘This is a difficult day for all of us at American Airlines and our efforts now are entirely focused on the needs of our passengers, crew members, partners, first responders, along with their families and loved ones,’ he continued.
‘I know that there are many questions and at this early stage, I will not be able to answer all of them, but I do want to share the information I have at this time.’
Isom went on to confirm that there were 60 passengers and four crew members onboard Flight 5342 from Wichita, Kansas, to the nation’s Capital when the collision occurred.
The plane is said to have split in two and is in around seven feet of water, while the helicopter is upside down and is unstable.
American Airlines CEO Robert Isom has issued a heartfelt message to family members whose loved ones were onboard a passenger flight that crashed with a military helicopter Wednesday night
Multiple fatalities had been reported following the collision at Reagan International Airport in Washington DC just before 9pm, with emergency responders scouring the Potomac River to find and rescue any survivors
Isom said the airline is now working with local, state and federal authorities on their emergency response efforts, and American Airlines has even deployed its Care Team to ‘assist our passengers and their families.
‘We are cooperating fully with the National Transportation Safety Board in its investigation and will continue to provide all the information we can,’ he said.
‘Our cooperation is without pause and we want to learn everything we can about today’s events,’ Isom continued.
‘That work will take time, but anything we can do now, we’re doing, and right now, that means focusing on all passengers and crew involved, as well as their families.’
Isom also said airline employees ‘will be on their way to Washington DC and I’ll be heading there shortly as well.
‘We know that many people will be concerned for the welfare of their loved ones, and we set up a special helpline friends and family can call at 1 (800) 679 – 8215.
‘We understand and appreciate that people are eager for information,’ the CEO concluded. ‘Please know that we’ll share accurate and timely information as soon as we can, but anything we report must be accurate. We owe that to everyone involved.
‘Our team of highly trained professionals will be working around the clock to support our passengers, crew and their families how ever we can and we will update you as soon as we can,’ he vowed.
Isom said the airline is now working with local, state and federal authorities on their emergency response efforts
DC police, fire and EMS crews rushed to the scene following the crash at around 9pm
American Airlines Flight 5342, a Bombardier CRJ700, was approaching Runway 33 and was at an altitude of about 300 feet when it collided with the Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk helicopter.
Flightradar tracking data shows the final approach of the flight as it crosses over the Potomac, before it cuts out.
The Black Hawk, meanwhile, was carrying three soldiers at the time who were on a training flight.
In audio from the air traffic control tower, a controller is heard asking the military chopper, ‘PAT25 do you have the CRJ in sight,’ in reference to the passenger aircraft.
‘Tower, did you see that?’ another pilot is heard calling seconds after the apparent collision.
It prompted officials at the international airport to halt all takeoffs and landings, as DC police, fire and EMS crews rushed to the scene.
Local, state and national authorities also mobilized resources to assist with search and rescue efforts.
Emergency officials are scouring the Potomac River for any survivors
The plane is said to have split in two and is in around seven feet of water, while the helicopter is upside down and is unstable
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced Wednesday night that first responders from across northern Virginia, Washington DC and Maryland ‘mobilized quickly’ to help find victims, and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said the Maryland State Police have deployed divers to the scene.
At the federal level, the FBI also said it was assisting the local agencies, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the US Coast Guard is ‘deploying every available … resources for search and rescue operations.
‘We are actively monitoring the situation, and stand ready to support local responders,’ she said.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also said that the Department of Defense is ‘poised to assist if needed,’ and the general manager of Washington’s transit authority also announced that it has deployed warming buses for any survivors who are retrieved from the icy waters.
But NBC Chief Meteorologist Doug Kammerer said that at the time of the incident the water temperature in the river was around 37 degrees Fahrenheit.
At that temperature, someone in the water has only 15 to 20 minutes before they start suffering from hypothermia.
Vast numbers of emergency vehicles were gathered on the east bank of the river, on the Washington D.C. side, their lights illuminating the Capitol building and the Washington Monument
More emergency vehicles waited on the end of the airport runway to the north of where the crash happened
Sudden immersion in such frigid water can also trigger immediate physiological response like uncontrolled gasping, rapid breathing or hyperventilation.
‘Cold shock can cause an immediate panic, fear or stress reaction that then impairs clear thinking and decision making,’ the National Weather Service said.
Those reactions, coupled with a spike in heart rate and blood pressure, can also heighten the risk of heart failure or stroke, particularly for vulnerable individuals.
Hamaad Ramza spoke with WUSA on Wednesday evening and revealed that his wife had been on the plane when it crashed.
He said: ‘I’m just praying that someone is pulling her out of the river right now as we speak. I’m just praying to God.’
As the rescue mission continued, a small crowd gathered silently on the west bank of the Potomac River at Daingerfield Island in Virginia.
They watched as three helicopters shone spotlights on the black water scouring for survivors.
There was a small debris field on the water and a boat, and it was believed divers had gone in.
Vast numbers of emergency vehicles were gathered on the east bank of the river, on the Washington D.C. side, their lights illuminating the Capitol building and the Washington Monument.
More emergency vehicles waited on the end of the airport runway to the north of where the crash happened. Police vehicles closed off roads accessing the airport building, which was virtually empty.
