Jet with 60 passengers collides with US Army helicopter, crashes into Washington DC river

(BBC) 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

Police divers and boats are searching the water for survivors, while US authorities are investigating.

The collision happened on approach to Runway 33 at Reagan Washington National Airport around 9pm local time, the FAA says 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.”