A number of bodies are reported to have been recovered, but there is no official update on the number of people who have died.
An American Airlines flight has collided in mid-air with a helicopter in Washington DC, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) says.
The plane crashed in the Potomac River, which weaves through DC, according to the DC Fire and EMS Department.
The jet was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, and three US Army soldiers were on board the military helicopter.
About 300 emergency responders are at the scene, with police divers and boats searching the water for survivors.
The collision happened on approach to Runway 33 at Reagan Washington National Airport around 9pm local time, the FAA said in a statement to CBS News.
US President Donald Trump says he has been briefed on the “terrible accident” and thanks emergency responders for their “incredible work.”
Eighteen bodies have been pulled from the Potomac River so far.
US authorities are investigating and the nearby Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport has grounded all flights.
