Gina Heslop
A devastating mid-air collision occurred on Wednesday evening, involving a Black Hawk UH-60 military helicopter and Flight 5342, a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet operated by American Airlines. The crash happened near Washington’s Reagan National Airport, and no survivors are expected.
A Husband’s Final Text from His Wife
Among the 60 passengers and four crew members on board was Hamaad Raza’s wife. Just moments before the crash, she sent him a text message, telling him:
“We are landing in 20 minutes.”
At first, Raza was not worried, but when he tried to reply, his messages were not delivered. That’s when he began to fear something was wrong.
“That’s when I realized something was up,” he said.
In a heart-wrenching interview with WUSA, Raza shared his desperation and hope:
“I’m just praying that someone is pulling her out of the river right now. That’s all I can pray for.”
The Deadly Mid-Air Collision
The accident happened at around 9:00 PM, as Flight 5342 was approaching Runway 33. The military helicopter, which was carrying three soldiers from Fort Belvoir on a training mission, crashed into the plane, sending both aircraft plummeting into the Potomac River.
No Survivors Expected
Authorities have said that due to freezing waters and strong currents, there is little hope of survivors. Rescue teams have recovered at least 18 bodies, and the wreckage of the plane was found seven feet underwater, split in half.
A U.S. Army spokesperson confirmed:
“We are working with local officials and will provide additional information once it becomes available.”
American Airlines and National Response
American Airlines has set up a hotline for families to seek information about their loved ones:
• U.S. and Canada: 800-679-8215
Former President Donald Trump also reacted to the crash, saying:
“May God bless their souls. Thank you to our first responders for their incredible work. I am monitoring the situation closely and will provide more details as they arise.”
A Nation in Mourning
The tragedy has left families in shock, with many still waiting for official confirmation about their loved ones. The figure skating community, in particular, has been deeply affected, as several world-class athletes were on board.
For Hamaad Raza, like many others, the wait for answers is agonizing.
