A man has revealed the final text he’d received from his wife who was onboard the American Airlines plane that crashed over Washington DC.
At 8.47pm ET (January 29), the aircraft, Flight 5342 collided with a military helicopter over the Potomac River as it approached Ronald Reagan National Airport in preparation to land.
There were 60 passengers and four crew members onboard the plane, while the BlackHawk helicopter was carrying three soldiers who were taking part in a training flight, according to a US military official.
Hamaad Raza’s wife was onboard the American Airlines flight and he revealed to WUSA9 that he had been in contact with her just minutes before the incident took place.
“I’m just praying that someone is pulling her out of the river right now as we speak, that’s all I can pray for, I’m just praying to God,” Raza told the news outlet. “She texted me that they were landing in 20 minutes.”
Talking through his text messages, he said the rest of his texts did not get delivered, adding: “That’s when I realized something was up.”
According to eyewitness reports, sparks were ‘shooting from the head of the plane down to the tail’, with one witness who was driving past the airport at the time telling NBC Washington: “It looked to me like a giant Roman candle.”
Dispatch audio from air traffic control obtained by CBS also describes their reactions to the two aircrafts colliding.
A search and rescue operation is currently underway, with the BBC reporting that 18 bodies have been recovered so far.
American Airlines issued the following statement: “American Eagle Flight 5342 en route from Wichita, Kansas (ICT), to Washington, D.C. (DCA) was involved in an accident at DCA. The flight was operated by PSA Airlines with a CRJ-700.
There were 60 passengers and four crew members on board the aircraft.
“Our concern is for the passengers and crew on board the aircraft. We are in contact with authorities and assisting with emergency response efforts.
If you believe you may have loved ones on board Flight 5342, call American Airlines toll-free at 800-679-8215. Those calling from outside the U.S. can visit news.aa.com for additional phone numbers. Family members in Canada, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands can call 800-679-8215 directly.”
President Donald Trump has also addressed the incident, saying he had been ‘fully briefed’ on the ‘terrible accident’ and ‘monitoring the situation’.
Thanking the first responders for their ‘incredible work’, he said in a statement via White House Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt: “May God Bless their souls.”
Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance wrote on Twitter: “Please say a prayer for everyone involved in the mid-air collision near Reagan airport this evening. We’re monitoring the situation, but for now let’s hope for the best.”
