The search and rescue operation for survivors of Wednesday’s plane collision is becoming more grim, according to a law enforcement source.
The source described images from rescuers as “stunning,” saying it was hard to make out what they were seeing. The plane, they said, was in several pieces.
Two law enforcement sources and a source familiar with the situation confirm that no survivors had been recovered at this point.
Officials are preparing for this to be the deadliest disaster in DC in decades since an Air Florida Flight crashed into the 14th Street Bridge, connecting Arlington, Virginia, and Washington, DC, in 1982, according to the source.
Washington, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser will be part of the 12:30 a.m. presser, her team says.
22 min ago
Search and rescue operation is becoming more grim, with no survivors recovered so far, source says
From CNN’s Gabe Cohen, Pete Muntean and Karina Tsui
A search and rescue boat operates along the Potomac River on Wednesday. Carlos Barria/Reuters
The search and rescue operation for survivors of Wednesday’s plane collision is becoming more grim, according to a law enforcement source.
The source described images from rescuers as “stunning,” saying it was hard to make out what they were seeing. The plane, they said, was in several pieces.
Two law enforcement sources and a source familiar with the situation confirm that no survivors had been recovered at this point.
Officials are preparing for this to be the deadliest disaster in DC in decades since an Air Florida Flight crashed into the 14th Street Bridge, connecting Arlington, Virginia, and Washington, DC, in 1982, according to the source.
Washington, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser will be part of the 12:30 a.m. presser, her team says.
American Airlines CEO says he’s heading to DC
From CNN’s Alexandra Skores
American Airlines CEO Robert Isom says he will be heading to Washington, DC, to assess the midair plane collision and support employees.
“Members of our Go Team will be on their way to Washington DC and I’ll be heading there shortly as well,” Isom said in a video message.
The airline has also set up a helpline for friends and family at 1-800-679-8215.
Transportation secretary says he has spoken with local authorities, pledging federal support
From CNN’s Jack Forrest and Hanna Park
Newly sworn-in Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Wednesday he has spoken to local and state leaders regarding the collision involving a passenger jet near Reagan National Airport.
Duffy said he has instructed the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Department of Transportation (USDOT) to “provide full support” to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and other agencies involved in the response.
“I have directed @USDOT and @FAANews to provide full support to the @NTSB and all responding agencies and authorities,” Duffy wrote in a post on X.
“I have spoken with Washington DC Mayor Bowser, Virginia Governor Youngkin, Kansas Governor Kelly and NTSB Chair Homendy to offer our agency’s complete assistance,” he added. “Thank you to all first responders who are on the scene and conducting the search and rescue operations.”
Air traffic audio captures moments before, during, and after the collision
From CNN’s Alexandra Skores and Aaron Cooper
Air traffic controller audio obtained by CNN from LiveATC.net captures the moment the air traffic control operators ask the helicopter if the commercial flight operated by PSA Airlines is in sight.
An air traffic controller said, “PAT 2-5 do you have the CRJ in sight?”
The controller then said, “PAT 2-5 pass behind the CRJ.”
The audio then captured audible gasps, including a loud “oooh” in the background apparently from the tower, at the moment of the crash.
The tower then alerted another pilot of what has taken place.
“I don’t know if you caught earlier what happened, but there was a collision on the approach end of 3-3. We are going to be shutting down operations for the indefinite future if you want to go back to the gate. Highly suggest you guys coordinate with the company. Let me know what you want to do,” the controller says, referencing runway 33.
The audio also revealed that another pilot had seen the incident and confirmed with an air traffic controller.
Another pilot could be heard saying, “Yeah, we were on short final, and we saw flares from the opposite side of the Potomac.”
An approach controller later said, “Apparently both aircraft involved are in the river, a search and rescue will be ongoing.”
A number of other aircraft made plans to divert to other airports following the incident as flights at DCA were halted.
