What we know about the passenger plane collision near Washington, DC

 Officials have confirmed there are no survivors after a passenger plane approaching Reagan National Airport near Washington, DC, collided midair with a US Army helicopter on Wednesday night, sending both aircraft into the Potomac River, according to a DC fire official.

First responders have recovered 27 bodies from the plane and one from the helicopter, Fire and EMS Chief John A. Donnelly stated at a Thursday morning news conference. The plane carried 64 passengers, while the Army helicopter had three soldiers on board, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser confirmed.

"Tragically, there are no survivors," President Donald Trump announced during a White House news conference late Thursday morning.

"This was a dark and painful night for our nation's capital and our country, a tragedy of immense proportions," Trump said. "As one nation, we mourn every precious life lost so suddenly."

Here’s what we know about the crash, the deadliest aviation disaster in the US in over two decades.