(NEXSTAR) – Images from the EarthCam video service captured images of what appears to be the fiery crash of an American Airlines jet over the Potomac River Wednesday evening.

American Airlines flight 5342 was estimated at 400 feet off the ground and traveling at about 140 miles per hour when it suffered a rapid loss of altitude over the Potomac River, according to data from its radio transponder.

There was no immediate word on casualties, but all takeoffs and landings from the airport near Washington were halted to allow for a massive search and rescue operation.
American Airlines confirmed late Wednesday that 60 passengers and four crew were on board the passenger plane at the time of the crash.

The U.S. Army told the Associated Press the helicopter involved was a UH-60 Blackhawk with three people onboard.

“We can confirm that the aircraft involved in tonight’s incident was an Army UH-60 helicopter out of Fort Belvoir, Virginia. We are working with local officials and will provide additional information once it becomes available,” an Army official told Nexstar Wednesday night.

Military aircraft frequently conduct training flights in and around the congested and heavily-restricted airspace around the nation’s capital for familiarization and continuity of government planning.

In audio from the air traffic control tower around the time of the crash, a controller is heard asking the helicopter, “PAT25 do you have the CRJ in sight,” in reference to the passenger aircraft.

“Tower, did you see that?” another pilot is heard calling seconds after the apparent collision.”

The tower immediately began diverting other aircraft from Reagan.

This is a developing story, stream live coverage of the Potomac crash from DC News Now.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.