India, Jan. 30 -- After at least 18 bodies were pulled from the Potomac River following a midair collision between an American Airlines regional jet and a military helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, a "rescue operation" is underway in Potomac River. D.C. Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly has confirmed that the search is now entirely on the waters, and not overland. He also said that they "don't know if there are survivors."

The rescue operation is not easy, Washington, DC, Mayor Muriel Bowser has said. About 300 first responders are reportedly battling dark, cold and windy conditions while executing the search.

"Our fire department, DC fire and EMS, supported by fire departments and police departments from across ...