Man who witnessed American Airlines flight 'splitting in half' describes moment he saw 'white flare' during collision

A Washington DC local who witnessed the fatal crash of an American Airlines passenger jet and a military helicopter last night has revealed to press what he saw, claiming a 'white flare' emerged from the skies.

At around 21:00 local time on Wednesday 29 January, the PSA Airlines jet (AA 5432) was preparing to land at Ronald Reagan National Airport just outside of Washington DC when it collided with a Black Hawk Sikorsky H-60 helicopter.

The passenger jet - which was carrying 60 passengers as well as four members of cabin crew - had been flying from Wichita, Kansas, while the helicopter - which had three people on board - had departed from Fort Belvoir, Virginia hours earlier.

Rescue helicopters and boats were later dispatched (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

Witnesses of the catastrophic incident told response officers that both aircrafts had subsequently plummeted into the Potomac River.

Search teams - including both boats and helicopters - were later dispatched in the hope of recovering any survivors.

According to CBS, at least 19 bodies have been found, with DC Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly telling press during a conference that his team 'don't know' if they'll find anybody alive.

Another witness of the devastating crash - Washington DC local Jimmy Mazeo - has since spoken to press about what he saw last night.

Mazeo began by revealing he saw the AA plane's flight pattern dispersing from its regular one while travelling through the sky.

It was then that he saw a 'white flare' emerge from above.

"We thought they were shooting stars," he told WUSA9. "We didn't really think much of it until we saw the fire trucks starting going out to the tarmac and the police cars and boats. It was insane."

He added that he was 'very on edge' and 'very curious' when he first noticed the flare, and was initially left wondering 'what the giant response was for'.

"I'm really in awe. Of course it's terrible what happened tonight, but I think that it's crazy we got to see what happened," Mazeo continued.

"I'm praying for all the people involved in this."

Harrowing audio which has since been released has detailed the moment a dispatcher saw the incident unfold.

The official was recorded claiming that the 'accident happened in the river'. "Both the helicopter and the plane crashed in the river," he continued.

A controller who witnessed what happened in the aftermath later said: "It was probably out in the middle of the river.

"Um, I just saw a fireball and then it was just gone."

He continued: "I haven't seen anything since they hit the river, but it was a CR-J and a helicopter that hit, I would say a half-mile of the approach."

Donnelly has since revealed that the freezing temperatures and dark conditions in the water are proving difficult for rescue teams to work in.

"There is wind. There are pieces of ice in the water... And because there is not a lot of light, you are out there searching every square inch of space," he continued.

John Donnelly admitted his team 'don't know' if there are any survivors (Nathan Posner/Anadolu via Getty Images)

"These are very tough conditions for [rescuers] to dive in."

President Donald Trump has issued a statement via White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt which said: "I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident that took place at Reagan National Airport. May God rest their souls.

"Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise."

Meanwhile, American Airlines said its 'concern is for the passengers and assisting with emergency response efforts', adding: "We are in contact with authorities and assisting with emergency response efforts.

"If you believe you may have loved ones on board Flight 5342, call American Airlines toll-free at 800-679-8215. Those calling from outside the U.S. can visit news.aa.com for additional phone numbers.

"Family members in Canada, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands can call 800-679-8215 directly."