No one is believed to have survived after a plane and helicopter crashed in mid-air over Washington DC’s Potomac River, officials say
Sixty-four people were on the American Airlines flight and three on the military helicopter when the aircraft collided near Ronald Reagan National Airport
Emergency services chief John Donnelly says 28 bodies have been found so far
It was a “clear night”, the pilots were “experienced” and everything was standard in the lead-up to the crash, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says – but “obviously something happened”
One area investigators are focusing on is why the helicopter was flying at that location – earlier, US President Donald Trump also questioned why it didn’t “go up or down, or turn”
Officials in Wichita, Kansas, where the plane took off from, tell a news conference the city’s “hearts are heavy”
Wichita mayor tearful as she says no one survived plane crash
Wichita Mayor Lily Wu says that the city’s hearts are heavy, and that they are still learning details about the tragedy.
She thanks the first responders who have been working through the night and becomes tearful when she confirms that her teams have been told there are no survivors.
This is a terrible tragedy that will unite the city, Wu says, adding that families of victims will be informed before their identities are released.
Airport director says he can’t confirm who was on the plane
15:21
Romo is then asked about coordination efforts on the ground and he again stresses that American Airlines will distribute the flight manifest, a document which details who was on the plane.
Can you tell us about the figure skaters who were on this flight, one reporter asks?
Romo acknowledges that there’s been several reports of figure skaters travelling on board the flight on social media but can’t confirm their identities at this time.
He is then asked whether impacted families should stay at home or get in touch with airport officials.
Romo says everyone responds to tragedy differently, and says if they are more comfortable coming to the terminal, they are ready to support them in any way they can.
Congressman says route to Reagan airport requires skilled pilots
15:30
Congressman Ron Estes is now taking a question about the particular route the American Airlines flight was taking from Wichita, Kansas, to DC.
He confirms that it has been in use for a year, stressing that it’s important for “us as a community to have connections” and direct ones to popular spots like Washington DC.
Particularly for locations like Reagan National Airport, which he highlights is situated “right there” across from the capital.
He acknowledges that landing at the airport requires skilled pilots, as there are some “twists and turns” when coming out of that airport.
But he adds: “I wouldn’t hesitate to continue to fly in and out of Washington Reagan Airport, including on this particular flight and with this particular plane.”
Asked who will notify the families of the victims, Estes says it will be the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration, alongside American Airlines.
