Jordan extends condolences to US following deadly air collision

AMMAN — The Foreign Ministry on Thursday extended its condolences to the US following a fatal midair collision between a passenger plane and a military helicopter near Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C.

The accident resulted in multiple casualties, injuries, and missing persons in the Potomac River.

Ministry Spokesperson Sufian Qudah reaffirmed Jordan’s solidarity with the U.S. during this difficult time, expressing heartfelt condolences to the victims' families, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.  

The official also wished the injured a swift recovery and the safe return of those still missing.

The collision occurred Wednesday night when a US passenger jet carrying 64 people crashed into Washington's Potomac River after colliding midair with a military helicopter on a night training exercise, prompting a desperate search for survivors in the dark, near-freezing water.

The plane was approaching Reagan National Airport at around 9:00 pm (0200 GMT) after flying from Wichita, Kansas, when the collision happened, according to AFP.

American Airlines, whose subsidiary PSA Airlines operated the Bombardier regional jet, said "there were 60 passengers and four crew members on board the aircraft."

A US Army official said the helicopter involved was a Black Hawk carrying three soldiers, their status currently unknown. They had been on a "training flight," a separate military spokesperson said in a statement.

Washington police said, "there is no confirmed information on casualties at this time."