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It's 6 a.m. in Washington. Here are the latest developments after a fatal aircraft collision

From CNN's Hanna Park and Travis Caldwell

From CNN's Hanna Park and Travis Caldwell

A large-scale search is underway after a midair collision between an American Airlines passenger jet carrying 64 people and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter with three soldiers on board near Reagan National Airport, just outside Washington, DC, officials said.

American Airlines Flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines, was traveling from Wichita, Kansas, to Reagan National Airport Wednesday night.

Here’s what we know:
Collision on final approach: The crash occurred as Flight 5342 prepared for landing. The Black Hawk helicopter was on a training flight at the time of the incident, an official told CNN. Video of the incident shows a massive fireball erupting upon impact, and the two aircraft crashed into the Potomac River. Audio between the helicopter and air traffic control reveals communications were relayed seconds before the crash.

Deaths confirmed as rescue efforts continue: Fatalities have been confirmed, and rescuers have yet to find any survivors in the river, a law enforcement source said. The passenger jet is reportedly in pieces in the water, with the helicopter nearby. Conditions on the river have been described by officials as cold, windy and difficult.

Airport closure: Reagan National Airport is closed until at least 11 a.m. ET Thursday, officials said. A law enforcement source described the atmosphere as a “really somber mood, even at the rescue scene.” At the airport, family members of likely victims have gathered in an airport lounge as officials work to provide updates. Another news conference from authorities is expected at 7:30 a.m. ET.

Figure skating world shaken by tragedy: Several members of the figure skating community were passengers on the jet, US Figure Skating confirmed in a statement to CNN. Two world-champion Russian figure skaters were aboard the passenger plane, according to Russian state news agency TASS. A vigil in Wichita is planned for noon CT.

President weighs in on crash: President Donald Trump described the collision as a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented in a social media post. It remains unclear whether his remarks were based on an official briefing.

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