18 bodies pulled from Potomac River after jet-chopper collision in Washington

I am closely monitoring the situation at DCA, and I will receive a briefing from the FAA tomorrow. While we don't yet know how many on board were lost, we know there are fatalities. Please join Heidi and me in praying for all involved as the search and rescue is underway."

Senator Ted Cruz took to Twitter, stating

MPD is responding to an apparent air crash in the Potomac River. Multiple agencies are responding."

The DC Police Department announced

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."

Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance took to Twitter advising

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."

The airport issued a statement saying

Learning that a plane inbound from Kansas was involved in a crash at DCA. I am in contact with authorities. Please join me in praying for all involved."

US Senator Jerry Moran took to Twitter to express his concern, announcing

Confirmed small aircraft down in Potomac River vicinity Reagan National Airport. Fireboats on scene."

The DC Fire and EMS didn't hesitate to confirm

I can just say that the thoughts and the prayers of the entire Trump administration are with all those that are involved."

She addressed the media, stating

Our concern is for the passengers and crew on board the aircraft. We are in contact with authorities and assisting with emergency response efforts,

the airline said in a statement

It looked to me like a giant Roman candle, sparks shooting from the head of the plane down to the tail. I saw that for about two seconds,

Schulman said, adding

My prayer is that God wraps his arms around each and every victim and that he continues to be with their families,

Marshall added in his post

We can confirm that the aircraft involved in tonight’s incident was an Army UH-60 helicopter out of Fort Belvoir, Virginia,

it said in a statement

So you can actually have pretty good visibility. So it is quite surprising that you can have this happening,

said Duckworth, an Army veteran and former Black Hawk pilot

This airspace is very, very, very busy, and we’re praying ... that there are more survivors,

she said

There were 60 passengers and four crew members on board the aircraft,

the airline wrote in a statement

PAT 25 pass behind the CRJ.”

It then again makes another radio call to PAT25 moments later

Tower, did you see that?”

Seconds later, another pilot is heard calling after the apparent collision

PAT25, do you have the CRJ in sight?”

Less than 30 seconds before the crash, an air traffic controller asked the helicopter if it had the arriving plane in sight

From the Department of Transportation and FAA perspective, we are going to offer full support to those on the ground – to the mayor but also to the NTSB, who is going to be conducting the investigation in this matter,

Duffy said at a press conference at Washington Reagan National Airport

I think for all of us, we want to extend our thoughts and prayers to those individuals who are impacted by the events tonight,

Duffy said

We are going to provide all the support that's necessary,

he added