Newly inaugurated Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy said he was "praying" for those impacted by a collision between a plane and an Army helicopter, as he reminded people only been in office "for a little over a day."
He made the comments at press conference following Wednesday's American Airlines crash in Washington D.C.
Newsweek contacted the Department of Transportation for comment on Thursday via email outside of regular office hours.
Why It Matters
On Wednesday evening an American Airlines CRJ 700 flight from Wichita, Kansas which was coming into land at Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) collided with an Army Black Hawk helicopter on a training mission, with both aircraft then crashing into the Potomac River.
According to American Airlines there were 60 passengers and four crew members on board the flight whilst the Associated Press reported the helicopter had three personnel onboard.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday morning DE Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly said: "we don't believe there are any survivors."
He added that 28 bodies have been recovered so far.
Duffy, a former Congressman and reality TV personality, was sworn in as Transportation Secretary on Tuesday, taking his oath at the U.S. Supreme Court. President Trump faced some criticism for picking a "made-for-TV cabinet," but insisted Duffy will "prioritize excellence, competence, competitiveness and beauty."
What To Know
Speaking at a press conference called shortly after Wednesday's crash Duffy said: "My focus is on those who are impacted on this flight and again, I've been secretary for a little over a day...
"This recovery I think is touching everybody's hearts whether its here in the greater D.C. area or in Kansas and again, I think everybody here is thinking and praying for those who potentially have lost a loved one."
Duffy made the remarks before Chief Donnelly said authorities believe there hadn't been any survivors at a separate press conference on Thursday morning.
The transportation secretary went on to say: "I was not in the situation room. I did have a conversation with the situation room where the president was located...I would just note that not just the local team but the federal team has performed very well in this crisis.
"I know the president is incredibly concerned about what's happened here today."
Duffy also spoke at the press conference on Thursday morning, where he said authorities had located the two aircraft with the fuselage of the American Airlines flight found inverted in three separate sections.
He also said the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation and White House were working in unison with local and state partners, adding both the American Airlines aircraft and the Army helicopter were flying in a "standard pattern" when the accident took place.
What People Are Saying
On X, the Ronald Reagan National Airport posted: "Around 9 p.m. on Wednesday evening, emergency personnel at Reagan National Airport initiated their response to a crash between a passenger aircraft, identified by the FAA as American Eagle flight 5342, and a Sikorsky helicopter. Mutual aid from neighboring agencies were called to assist, and takeoffs and landings at the airport were halted for the remainder of the evening."
American Airlines wrote: "We're aware of reports that American Eagle flight 5342, operated by PSA, with service from Wichita, Kansas (ICT) to Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA) has been involved in an incident. We will provide information as it becomes available."
In an emailed statement, President Donald Trump said he had been "fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport."
What Happens Next
The FAA and other agencies will continue investigating Wednesday's incident, the first fatal crash involving a U.S. airline since 2009, with a view to discovering what went wrong and attempting to prevent any repeats.
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