‘God Bless Their Souls’: Trump Responds to Passenger Plane Collision Near Washington, DC
AP Photo/Evan Vucci
President Donald Trump issued a statement on Wednesday evening after a passenger plane collided with a military Black Hawk helicopter near Washington, D.C.
“I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan International Airport,” Trump wrote. “May God Bless their souls.”
He continued, “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.”
In a follow-up post on Truth Social, Trump wrote:
The airplane was on a perfect and routine line of approach to the airport. The helicopter was going straight at the airplane for an extended period of time. It is a CLEAR NIGHT, the lights on the plane were blazing, why didn’t the helicopter go up or down, or turn. Why didn’t the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane. This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!
He concluded, “What a terrible night this has been. God bless you all!”
The PSA Airlines plane collided with a military Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday evening in an incident which was caught on video.
While no casualties have yet been reported, the plane reportedly crashed into the Potomac River, where search and rescue teams could be seen searching for survivors into the night.
At the time of the incident, the plane was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, while the helicopter was reportedly carrying three military personnel.
PSA Airlines parent company American Airlines announced a hotline for family members of the passengers who were on the plane.
“If you believe you may have loved ones on board Flight 5342, call American Airlines toll-free at 800-679-8215,” said the airline in a statement. “Those calling from outside the U.S. can visit news.aa.com for additional phone numbers. Family members in Canada, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands can call 800-679-8215 directly.”
