A passenger jet carrying 60 passengers and 4 crew members collided on Wednesday with an Army helicopter while attempting to land at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington DC, prompting a large search-and-rescue operation in the nearby Potomac River.Dozens of firefighters are engaged in dive operations at the site of the plane crash in the Potomac River, according to a union official.“Search and rescue efforts are underway in the Potomac River,” Edward Kelly, the general president of the International Association of Fire Fighters said on X.“They’re doing everything they can to bring survivors to safety. Our prayers are with everyone affected,” he said.“I heard two unusual bangs, something I’ve never heard of,” Washington, DC resident Abadi Ismail, told CNN, adding that it “kind of sounded like a warzone.”

He immediately rushed to his window after hearing the sounds but said he saw “nothing but a little bit of smoke.”

Abadi said rescue helicopters and boats have now “lit up the area.”

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump said he was “fully briefed” on the collision between a passenger jet and an Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan National Airport Wednesday night.

Trump added that he was “monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise.”

“May God Bless their souls. Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders,” Trump’s statement read.

Source: AP, CNN