Nigeria, Jan. 30 -- A devastating mid-air collision between an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter sent both aircraft plunging into the Potomac River on Wednesday afternoon.

Authorities are working to confirm the number of casualties as rescue efforts continue under challenging conditions.

The American Airlines flight, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, had just taken off from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport when it collided with the military helicopter, which had three soldiers on board.

Officials have not yet disclosed the exact number of survivors, but 28 bodies have been recovered from the river, according to emergency response teams.

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