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Flights canceled at ORF after passenger jet and Army helicopter collide near DC
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Several flights at the Norfolk International Airport (ORF) were canceled Thursday morning after an American Airlines flight and U.S. Army Black Hawk Helicopter collided mid-air near Reagan Washington National Airport.
Passenger jet with 64 aboard collides with Army helicopter while landing at Reagan Airport near DC
According to ORF's website, two departure flights to Washington D.C. have been canceled and two arrival flights to Washington D.C. have been canceled as a result of the crash. Officials with the Reagan Washington National Airport said they plan to reopen around 11 a.m.
In addition to the flight cancelations, ORF canceled their ribbon cutting for the return of its moving walkways, which was scheduled to take place Thursday morning.
Here locally, at Norfolk International Airport, one traveler spoke to 10 On Your Side. Ronnie Oliver traveling out of Suffolk said he had to pause when he saw the news.
"Well it was horrible, you couldn't help -- but your heart goes out to the families and everything," said Oliver. "You heard and of course I was traveling this morning, so you pay a little more attention to it than you normally do, it's not the way it should be, but that's how it is. It's horrible and I listened to a little bit of the clips this morning. And it sounded like its pretty complicated."
During a press briefing early Thursday morning, officials stated they do not expect any survivors after the crash. As of 8 a.m., 27 bodies have been recovered from the plane and one body from the helicopter.
President Donald Trump spoke at a new conference at 11 a.m. on the incident. Trump said that the investigation is underway and that the two aircraft should've never been at the same elevation.
During the conference, Trump began with a moment of silence for the victims. Shortly thereafter, he came up with a series of potential causes for the crash, including coming down on former President Joe Biden's policies, the air traffic controllers, the helicopter pilot and what he called "DEI hires."
The claim was focus point of many follow up questions, but wasn't backed up by hard evidence. Trump cited "common sense" as reasoning for his conclusion. The president assured the public that they should not be fearful of traveling.
See the full press conference below:
Senator Mark Warner spoke during the briefing, giving his condolences to the victims and thanks to first responders.
"For folks who don't live in the DMV, we are made up of a lot of jurisdictions," Warner said. "Reagan airport is in Virginia, across the river we have Maryland, and obviously the District. But as has been indicated by the chief, when tragedy happens, all those distinctions between the various jurisdictions and our federal partners, all disappear."
A portion of the briefing can be viewed below:
The plane, which departed from Kansas, was said to be carrying 60 passengers and four crew members. Three military members were onboard the helicopter, according to officials. The crash occurred just before 9 p.m. on Wednesday.
What to know about the collision between a passenger jet and Army helicopter near DC
Gov. Glenn Youngkin posted to X, formerly known as Twitter, late Wednesday night, saying that first responders from across northern Virginia, D.C. and Maryland are working together to assist with the search and rescue efforts.
I have been briefed by our Emergency Management team and Virginia State Police about the tragic crash at Reagan National Airport tonight. Extensive resources are fully supporting the search and rescue efforts. First responders from across Northern Virginia, DC and Maryland mobilized quickly. I ask everyone to pray for the passengers, crews, their families, and brave first responders.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin
Rep. Bobby Scott also responded to the tragic collision, saying he is thankful for our first responders on the scene.
"I'm closely monitoring the situation at DCA that occurred this evening involving a collision between a passenger airplane and a military helicopter," Scott said. "I'm thankful for our first responders on the scene. My thoughts and prayers are with all those involved in this horrible tragedy."
Sen. Louise Lucas and Rep. Jen Kiggans have also posted their condolences as well as gratitude to the first responders who were on the scene.
Multiple fatalities have been reported as a result of the collision, but it is currently unclear just how many victims there are as rescue efforts continued into early Thursday morning.
"Over the course of the night, and we hope to have more news as it develops, but for right now, it's a very difficult situation out there with the cold," Jack Potter, president of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority said. "It's very dark, but there are numerous boats out there. There are dive teams out there."
In 1982, an Air Florida flight also crashed into the Potomac, ultimately killing 70 passengers and four crew members.
10 On Your Side's Andy Fox will be in DC and are expected to give updates on the incident throughout the day.
Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.
