Reactions from political officials over deadly plane crash in Washington D.C.
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Multiple officials are voicing their prayers in social media after a passenger plane collided with a US Army helicopter midair at Reagan National Airport near Washington, DC, Wednesday.
Missouri Senator Eric Schmitt posted on "X" Wednesday night, "as we wait for further details, please join me in praying for the victims of this horrific tragedy and their families, and the first responders working the scene."
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly also posted on "X" stating that she is aware the plane departed from Wichita, Kansas was in the crash and that she is ""actively in contact with authorities. My thoughts go out to those involved. I will share more information as it becomes available."
Emergency personnel are conducting search and rescue efforts in the Potomac River, where the plane and helicopter crashed, with authorities warning the operation will likely take days.
Law enforcement sources said there are confirmed fatalities, though they did not specify how many, and that no survivors have been recovered so far.
There were 64 people on board the plane and the three soldiers in the Army helicopter, according to DC Mayor Muriel Bowser.
It was discovered that multiple figure skaters, coaches and their family members were on board the flight, returning from the US Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas.
President Donald Trump posted on True Social Wednesday night as well, asking multiple questions about the Army Blackhawk helicopter, its path and stating that it was a situation that looked like it could've been prevented.
In a later post, Trump said "What a terrible night this has been. God bless you all!"