WASHINGTON, March 24-- The White House said Tuesday that no signs had emerged about terrorism linked to the crash of a German budget airliner over the French Alps.

"U.S. officials have been in touch with French, German and Spanish authorities and have offered assistance," National Security Council spokeswoman Bernadette Meehan said in a statement, adding "There is no indication of a nexus to terrorism at this time."

The ill-fated Germanwings passenger jet A320 was on its way from Barcelona, Spain, to the German city of Dusseldorf when it crashed in southern France early Tuesday. French President Francois Hollande said of the 144 passengers and 6 crew members on board, there might be no survivors.

Meehan said President Barack Obama had been briefed on the tragedy by Lisa Monaco, his adviser on homeland security and counterterrorism. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families and loved ones," she added.

State Department spokeswoman Jennifer Psaki said Washington was reviewing whether U.S. citizens were aboard the flight.