Air traffic control audio describes moments after American Airlines flight collides in mid-air with helicopter

The horrific American Airlines crash over Washington, DC, has been further illuminated by terrifying air traffic control audio.

Just before 9:00 p.m. (January 29), the American Airlines-owned PSA Airlines plane, which was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, collided with a BlackHawk helicopter that was carrying three military personnel.

Law enforcement agencies from all over the region flew over the scene to search for survivors after the accident occurred as Flight 5342 was getting ready to land at Ronald Reagan National Airport, which has suspended all takeoffs and landings.

Eighteen bodies have been found so far after both cars crashed into the Potomac River.

Since then, American Airlines has released the following statement: “American Eagle Flight 5342 was involved in an accident at DCA while it was traveling from Wichita, Kansas (ICT) to Washington, D.C. (DCA).” With a CRJ-700, PSA Airlines flew the flight.

“On board the aircraft were four crew members and sixty passengers.

“The crew and passengers on board the aircraft are our top priority. We are communicating with law enforcement and supporting emergency response activities.

If you think you might have loved ones on Flight 5342, give American Airlines a call at 800-679-8215, toll-free. For more phone numbers, callers from outside the United States can visit news.aa.com. Family members in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Canada, or Puerto Rico can give 800-679-8215 a call directly.

A dispatcher can be heard recounting the events following the downing of both aircraft in audio that CBS News was able to obtain.

“The accident happened in the river,” they claim. “Both the helicopter and the plane crashed in the river.”

Jimmy Mazeo, an eyewitness, told WUSA9 that he was eating dinner in a nearby park when he noticed “white flares” in the sky. He did not realize how serious the situation was at the time.

“Until we noticed the police cars and boats, as well as the fire trucks beginning to head out to the tarmac, we didn’t really give it much thought. “It was crazy,” he said.

“I’m truly amazed. Of course, what happened tonight is awful, but I think it’s crazy that we had to witness it. I’m sending up prayers for everyone concerned.

The ‘terrible accident’ has been briefed to President Donald Trump. In a statement, he said, “May God bless their souls.”

“Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders.”

“This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented,” he added on his TruthSocial account. “NOT GOOD!”