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First responders from Baltimore area assisting in response to Reagan National Airport plane collision

Baltimore area first responders called to DC plane crash site
Baltimore area first responders called to DC plane crash site 02:46

BALTIMORE -- Leaders and first responders from the Baltimore region are assisting in the emergency response after a plane carrying 60 passengers and four crew members collided with a Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan National Airport (DCA) Wednesday, CBS News reported. 

The plane and helicopter crashed into the Potomac River near Washington, D.C. The plane took off from Wichita, Kansas, and was attempting to land when the collision happened. 

D.C. officials said Thursday around 8 a.m. that at least 28 bodies have been recovered, and they "don't believe there are any survivors," according to CBS News.

Members of the U.S. Figure Skating community were on the plane along with Russian figure skaters and coaches. 

There were no restrictions at BWI Airport in Baltimore, Gov. Wes Moore said. Airport officials said a small number of flights were diverted from DCA to BWI Wednesday night.

Maryland first responder assist

Around midnight, The Maryland Department of Emergency Management raised the State Activation Level to "Partial" as they assisted in the response. According to Gov. Moore, Maryland State Police deployed divers to help with rescue missions. 

During a news conference Thursday morning, D.C. Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly thanked first responders from around the state for helping in the emergency response, including Baltimore County Police, Baltimore City Police, Charles County Fire and Anne Arundel County Fire.

"It is a lot of touch and feel in the different parts of the plane and the helicopter and the crash area is a little spread out," Donnelly said. 

Anne Arundel County Fire officials said they have 15 members assisting with the response, including divers, special operators and administrative staff. The department is also bringing two boats to the D.C. area. 

The Baltimore Police Department said its Underwater Recovery & Dive Teams are assisting in the response. Baltimore Fire sent personnel to the scene as well, including its Dive Team.

 "It is an ongoing and developing situation for us, and we are committed to saving lives and supporting our regional partners in times of need," said a Baltimore City Fire Department spokesperson.

Maryland Natural Resource Police (NRP) also responded to the crash with patrol vessels and several specialized teams, including the Aviation Unit and Underwater Operation Team, officials said. As of 11 a.m. Thursday, crews were still on the scene to assist with recovery efforts. This means more staff from surrounding organizations and agencies are called in– including those from Prince George's County.

 "Prince George's County Fire and EMS responded with two water rescue resources, one airboat and one rescue boat and our technical resource personnel – about 12 personnel," said Tiffany Green, the Fire Chief of Prince George's County.

Maryland leaders respond

Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman shared prayers to the families impacted and thanked first responders for their assistance, saying "We trust that federal authorities will conduct a thorough investigation, and we stand ready to support our regional partners in any way necessary."

"We are grateful for the swift response of emergency personnel and rescue teams working tirelessly in the aftermath of this tragedy," Attorney General Anthony Brown said in a social media post.

"...In this difficult moment, we extend our deepest condolences to all who are mourning this heartbreaking loss," the AG added.

"Baltimore stands with [D.C Mayor Muriel Bowser] and the entire DMV community. We extend our deepest condolences to all affected by this tragedy," Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott said.

Congressman Andy Harris, a U.S. representative for Maryland's first congressional district, also sent prayers to those involved in the collision in a social media post. 

Senator Angela Alsobrooks also said she was closely monitoring the situation. 

"I'm closely monitoring the situation at DCA," Alsobrooks said. "My prayers are with the victims and their families, as well as the first responders addressing this tragedy."

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