JAKARTA - Authorities have so far evacuated at least 18 victims of the collision between American Airlines and a US Black Hawk helicopter in the Potomac River, Washington, D.C., on Wednesday (29/1).

According to a report by CBS News, rescue teams have only managed to evacuate 18 bodies out of a total of 67 people who were on board the two aircraft. Meanwhile, the wreckage of the aircraft and helicopter appeared to be destroyed and floating on the Potomac River, which currently has a temperature of around 0-1 degrees Celsius, making the evacuation process difficult.

The accident occurred when American Airlines flight 5342, carrying 64 passengers and crew, collided with a Sikorsky H-6 helicopter as it was about to land at Ronald Reagan Airport around 9pm local time. The Black Hawk helicopter, carrying a crew of three, was on a training mission and belonged to the 12th Aviation Battalion at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

A CCTV camera at the Kennedy Centre in Washington, D.C., captured the seconds of the collision. Video verified by CBS News shows the impact occurred in the Potomac River area at around 8.47pm.

Authorities estimate the likelihood of survivors is very small. Currently, authorities are conducting a joint investigation to uncover the cause of this tragic accident. (DK/LM)