Husband of Passenger on Crashed Plane in Washington, USA, Shares Last WhatsApp Chat With Wife
- The husband of a passenger on American Airlines Flight 5342, which crashed into the Potomac River, has shared his heartbreaking wish
- Emergency responders have recovered the bodies of 18 passengers so far after the incident, with search and rescue operations continuing
- American President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance have expressed sympathies and also thanked the first responder teams
The husband of a passenger on board American Airlines Flight 5342, which crashed into the Potomac River after a mid-air collision, has shared his heartbreaking wish.
Hamaad Raza said that in the final chat with his wife, who was on the doomed aircraft, she had texted him 'landing in 20 minutes' just before tragedy struck.
American Airlines Flight 5342 reportedly collided with a military helicopter over Washington D.C. before plunging into the Potomac River, leaving no survivors.
Source: Getty Images
DC plane crash: What happened?
Flight 5342 was arriving from Wichita, Kansas, with 60 passengers and four crew members on board. Meanwhile, a US Army Black Hawk helicopter was carrying three soldiers.
According to CNN, the two aircraft collided above DCA Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday night around 9pm local time, with no survivors expected.
Hamaad sensed trouble when his reply to his wife failed to send, stating emotionally, 'I'm praying someone is pulling her from the river as we speak'.
Responders, including fireboats and various emergency agencies, rushed to the scene where the aircraft had split into two pieces after hitting the icy Potomac River. 18 bodies have been recovered so far, with search and rescue operations ongoing.
DC plane crash: Investigation and official statements
According to Reuters, investigators are piecing together the final moments before the collision. Air traffic at the airport came to a standstill amid the emergency operations.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the incident had been brought to the attention of President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
President Trump thanked the first responders for their 'incredible work' and stated:
"I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport. May God bless their souls."
American airlines and vice president's response
On X, Vice President Vance urged the public to please say a prayer for everyone involved in the mid-air collision near Reagan Airport.
American Airlines later released a statement acknowledging the incident:
"We're aware of reports that American Eagle flight 5342, operated by PSA, with service from Wichita, Kansas (ICT) to Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA) has been involved in an incident. We will provide information as it becomes available."
Footage from an observation camera at the nearby Kennedy Center showed two sets of lights, consistent with aircraft, merging in a fireball.
Nigerian airplane crash-lands at airport
Legit.ng also previously reported that a Max Air flight from Lagos crash-landed at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport on January 28 at 10:57 p.m.
A passenger confirmed that the aircraft lost its nose landing gear tyre after touching down, causing it to burst into flames before the plane skidded to a stop.
Proofreading by Nkem Ikeke, journalist and copy editor at Legit.ng.
PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy!
Source: Legit.ng
