Robert Isom, CEO of the American Airlines, has given a sincere message to family members whose loved ones were a passenger flight that crashed with a military helicopter on Wednesday evening.
Until 18 fatalities were reported after the collision at Reagan International Airport in Washington DC just before 9 p.m., whereby care providers search the Potomac River to find and save survivors.
“First and more importantly, I would like to express our deep sorrow about these events,” said Isom in a video posted on social media.
“This is a difficult day for all of us at American Airlines and our efforts are now fully focused on the needs of our passengers, crew members, partners, First Responders, along with their families and loved ones,” he went on.
“I know there are many questions and at this early stage I will not be able to answer them all, but I want to share the information I have at the moment.”
Isom further confirmed that there were 60 passengers and four crew members aboard flight 5342 from Wichita, Kansas, to the capital of the nation when the collision took place.
The plane is said to have split in two and is in about seven feet of water, while the helicopter is upside down and is unstable.
Robert Isom, CEO of the American Airlines, has given a genuine message to family members whose loved ones were a passenger flight that crashed with a military helicopter on Wednesday evening
Several fatalities were reported after the collision at Reagan International Airport in Washington DC just before 9 p.m., where care providers sought the Potomac River to find and save survivors
Isom said that the airline is now working with local, provincial and federal authorities on their emergency aid efforts, and American Airlines has even used its care team to help 'our passengers and their families.
“We work completely with the National Transportation Safety Board in his investigation and we will say all the information we can continue to provide,” he said.
“Our collaboration is without a break and we want to learn everything we can do about the events of today,” isom continued.
“That work will take time, but everything we can do now, we do, and at the moment it means that concentrating on all the passengers and crew members involved, as well as their families.”
Isom also said that employees of airlines are on their way to Washington DC and that I will go there soon.
'We know that many people will be concerned about the well -being of their loved ones, and we have set up a special helpline friends and can call family on 1 (800) 679 – 8215.
“We understand and appreciate that people are enthusiastic about information,” concluded the CEO. 'Please know that we share accurate and timely information as quickly as possible, but everything we report must be accurate. We owe that to everyone.
“Our team of highly trained professionals will work around the clock to support our passengers, crew and their families how we can and we will update you as soon as possible,” he promised.
Isom said that the airline is now working together with local, national and federal authorities on their emergency aid efforts
DC Police, Fire and EMS Means rushed to the stage after the crash at around 9 p.m.
American Airlines Flight 5342, a Bombardier CRJ700, approached Catwalk 33 and was at an altitude of about 300 feet when it bumped with the Sikorsky H-60 ​​Black Hawk Helicopter.
Flighttradar tracking data shows the last approach of the flight while it crosses the Potomac before it cuts out.
In the meantime, the Black Hawk wore three soldiers who were on a training flight.
In Air Traffic Control Tower audio, a controller is heard to ask the military helicopter: 'Pat25 you have the CRJ in sight,' in reference to the passenger plane.
“Tower, have you seen that?” Another pilot has been heard to call seconds after the apparent collision.
It led officials at the International Airport to stop all the starts and landings, while the DC police, fire brigade and EMS crews rushed to the stage.
Local, national and national authorities also mobilized resources to help with search and rescue efforts.
Emergency officials are searching the Potomac River for all survivors
The plane is said to have split in two and is in about seven feet of water, while the helicopter is upside down and is unstable
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced on Wednesday evening that First Responders from Noord -Virginia, Washington DC and Maryland 'quickly mobilized' to find victims, and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said that the Maryland State Police Divers has deployed on stage.
At the federal level, the FBI also said that it helped the local agencies, and Minister of Interior Security Kristi said that the American Coast Guard is using every available … Resources for search and rescue operations.
“We are actively following the situation and are ready to support local responders,” she said.
Defense secretary Pete Hegseeth also said that the Ministry of Defense is 'ready to help if necessary' and the general director of the Washington transit authority has also announced that it has used warming buses for survivors who are collected from the icy waters.
But NBC -head meteorologist Doug Kammerer said that at the time of the incident the water temperature in the river was about 37 degrees Fahrenheit.
At that temperature, someone in the water only has 15 to 20 minutes before they start suffering from hypothermia.
A huge number of emergency vehicles were collected on the eastern bank of the river, on the Washington DC side, their lights illuminate the Capitol building and the Washington Monument
More emergency vehicles waited at the end of the runway of the airport north of where the crash took place
Sudden immersion in such ice -cold water can also cause immediate physiological response, such as uncontrolled panting, rapid breathing or hyperventilation.
“Cold shock can cause an immediate panic, fear or stress response that subsequently hinders clear thinking and decision -making,” said the National Weather Service.
Those reactions, in combination with a peak in heart rate and blood pressure, can also increase the risk of heart failure or stroke, especially for vulnerable people.
Hamaad Ramza spoke with Wusa on Wednesday evening and revealed that his wife had been on the plane when it crashed.
He said: 'I just pray that someone now pulls her out of the river while we speak. I just pray to God. '
While the rescue mission continued, a small crowd quietly gathered on the western bank of the Potomac River on Daingerfield Island in Virginia.
They watched how three helicopters spotlight shine on the black water that sanded to survivors.
There was a small rubble field on the water and a boat, and it was assumed that divers had entered.
A huge number of emergency vehicles were collected on the eastern bank of the river, on the Washington DC side, their lights illuminate the Capitol building and the Washington Monument.
More emergency vehicles waited at the end of the runway to the north of where the crash took place. Police vehicles declined and access to the airport building, which was almost empty.
