Pictures: Rescuers search river for survivors after passenger jet and helicopter collide in Washington DC

An American Airlines flight has collided in mid-air with a helicopter in Washington DC, with both crashing in the Potomac River.

The jet, which was coming from Wichita, Kansas, was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, and three US Army soldiers were on board the military helicopter

About 300 emergency responders are in “rescue mode”, with police divers and boats searching the water for survivors in windy, dark conditions.

Police officials have told the BBC’s US partner CBS News that 18 bodies have been recovered, but there is no official update on casualties

The collision happened on approach to Runway 33 at Reagan Washington National Airport around 9pm local time, the Federal Aviation Administration says in a statement to CBS News

US President Donald Trump says he has been briefed on the “terrible accident” and thanks emergency responders for their “incredible work”

In pictures: Rescue workers battle rough conditions in search for survivors

An extensive search and rescue operation is currently underway in the Potomac river.

It is late into the night in Washington DC, and emergency services chief John Donnelly has warned that conditions are “extremely rough” amid little light and icy temperatures.

At the scene, rescue workers can be seen climbing over parts of the commercial flight that had been broken up in the water.