Rescue teams search the Potomac River after a commercial airplane reportedly collided with a military helicopter on approach to Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington, DC, on Wednesday. (EPA)
Rescue teams search the Potomac River after a commercial airplane reportedly collided with a military helicopter on approach to Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington, DC, on Wednesday. (EPA)

Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul on Thursday expressed his condolences over the deadly plane crash that occurred near Washington, DC, Wednesday night when a US passenger jet carrying 64 people and a military helicopter with three on board collided in midair.

Both crashed into the Potomac River, as the American Airlines flight from Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport in the state of Kansas was approaching Reagan Washington National Airport at around 9 p.m. Wednesday.

"We’re deeply saddened by the tragic accident at Reagan National Airport," Cho said on his official X account. "Our hearts go out to everyone immediately impacted as we pray for some good news."

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet to confirm whether any South Korean nationals were among the passengers on board the commercial flight, as of press time.

At least 28 bodies have reportedly been recovered from the Potomac River as of Thursday morning Washington time, while dozens of people are feared dead.


consnow@heraldcorp.com