• News
  • Film and TV
  • Music
  • Tech
  • Features
  • Celebrity
  • Politics
  • Weird
  • Community
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
TikTok
YouTube
Submit Your Content
Husband reveals text he received from wife minutes before her flight collided in mid-air with helicopter

Home> News> US News

Updated 08:30 30 Jan 2025 GMTPublished 08:00 30 Jan 2025 GMT

Husband reveals text he received from wife minutes before her flight collided in mid-air with helicopter

The American Airlines flight collided with a US military helicopter on Wednesday (January 29)

Joe Yates

Joe Yates

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.

Advert

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."

Advert

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.

Advert

There were 60 passengers and four crew members on board the aircraft.

Hamaad Raza explained how he was waiting to hear from his wife who was onboard the aircraft (WUSA9)
Hamaad Raza explained how he was waiting to hear from his wife who was onboard the aircraft (WUSA9)

"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."

Advert

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."

Featured Image Credit: WUSA9

Topics: US News, Washington

Joe Yates
Joe Yates

Joe is a journalist for UNILAD, who particularly enjoys writing about crime. He has worked in journalism for five years, and has covered everything from murder trials to celeb news.

X

@JMYjourno

Advert

Advert

Advert

  • Air traffic control audio describes moments after American Airlines flight collides in mid-air with helicopter
  • ‘Tough’ conditions responders are facing in rescue effort after American Airlines flight collided mid-air with army helicopter
  • Man who witnessed American Airlines plane crash describes seeing ‘white flare' as it collided with helicopter
  • Aviation expert reveals what he thinks really went wrong in cockpit before Air India flight crash that killed 241

Choose your content:

6 hours ago
7 hours ago
  • 6 hours ago

    'Fridge cigarette' trend explained as Gen Z ditches traditional smoke breaks

    The new trend is taking TikTok by storm

    News
  • 6 hours ago

    Doctor reveals what you should never do in bed as he explains best way to beat insomnia

    Dr. Matthew Walker has offered some tips to curb insomnia and scrub up on your bedtime habits

    News
  • 7 hours ago

    FBI issues urgent warning to 150,000,000 US iPhone users to delete this text as soon as it appears

    Attacks on iPhones and Androids have surged more than 700 percent this month

    News
  • 7 hours ago

    Surprising meaning behind people who keep waking up at the same time every night

    It's surprisingly common

    News