WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Senator Jack Reed issued the following statement today after a regional jet carrying 60 passengers and four crew members collided in midair with a U.S. Army helicopter carrying three soldiers near Reagan Washington National Airport late last night:

“Our deepest condolences to the families, loved ones, and communities who are experiencing immeasurable loss due to this tragic midair collision.  I am continuing to monitor the situation closely with updates from DOD, FAA, and other agencies.

“We are truly grateful to the first responders and those who continue working around the clock in difficult conditions to respond to this tragedy.  This was an absolutely devastating incident and our thoughts are with the victims and those impacted.  It’s important to allow experts to drill down and gather all the facts and get people the answers they deserve.”