An American Airlines regional jet collided with a helicopter as it approached a runway at Reagan Airport in Arlington, Virginia around 9 p.m. (EST) Wednesday. 

The lights of dozens of emergency vehicles were seen filling the skyline across the Potomac River.

A defense official and an Army official said the helicopter involved in the crash was an Army Black Hawk.

The plane orginated from Wichita, Kansas.

"Flight 5342 was under the command of four crew members and carried 60 passengers for a total of 64 people on board, said Robert Isom,  CEO of American Airlines. "We are actively working with local, state and federal authorities on emergency response efforts, and the American Airlines care team has been activated to assist our passengers and their families."

According to the Metropolitan Police Department and D.C. Fire and EMS, several agencies are coordinating a search and rescue operation in the Potomac River.

The airport has halted all takeoffs and landings, saying emergency officials were responding to an aircraft incident on the airfield.

A special help line has been set up for friends and family of passengers on board American Eagle flight 5342: 1-800-679-8215.