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No Qantas passengers were onboard the American Airlines Bombardier CRJ-701 that crashed into a US Army Black Hawk on Thursday, the Australian airline has confirmed.
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The jet was carrying 64 people when the incident occurred at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington on Thursday, sparking a huge search and rescue operation.
However, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has not confirmed if any Australians were onboard.
The Washington Post newspaper said multiple bodies had been pulled from the water, and Senator Ted Cruz of Texas said, “We know there are fatalities”.
Reports suggested rescue boats were launched into the Potomac River, north of the airport.
According to reports, audio from the air traffic control tower recorded a controller asking the helicopter, “PAT25, do you have the CRJ in sight?”.
Another pilot called, “Tower, did you see that?” seconds after the collision.
The FAA later reported the passenger jet flew as Flight 5342 en route from Wichita, Kansas.
President Donald Trump said in a statement, “I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport. May God Bless their souls.
“Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise.”
More to follow…
