Man Describes Heart-Stopping Moment When Wife Was on Plane That Collided with US Military Helicopter
A man has shared the emotional moment he received a text from his wife moments before the American Airlines flight she was on collided with a US military helicopter over Washington, DC.
The incident occurred on Wednesday night, January 29, when a Bombardier CRJ700 operating as American Airlines Flight 5432 collided mid-air with a Black Hawk helicopter. The crash took place around 9:00 p.m. local time as the passenger plane was approaching Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The plane, which had departed from Wichita, Kansas, then crashed into the Potomac River. NBC 4 Washington reported that the jet “split in half” and is now submerged seven feet underwater.
The Helicopter Involved
The passenger plane collided with a Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk helicopter, which was carrying three US soldiers, the Pentagon confirmed. Rescue operations are still ongoing, with emergency responders searching the waters for any survivors.
So far, 18 bodies have been recovered from the Potomac River, according to BBC reports.
A Husband’s Desperate Wait
In a heartbreaking interview, Hamaad Raza, the husband of one of the passengers aboard the flight, explained that he grew concerned when his text messages to his wife were not being delivered. His wife, who was one of the 64 people on board the plane, had texted him shortly before the crash to let him know they were about to land.
“I’m just praying that someone is pulling her out of the river right now,” Raza said, visibly emotional. “That’s all I can pray for.”
Raza explained that his wife had texted him saying the plane would land in 20 minutes. When his replies failed to go through, he realized something was wrong.
“That’s when I realized something might be up,” Raza added, describing the terrifying moment he feared the worst.
The Black Hawk Helicopter’s Training Flight
According to US officials, the Army Black Hawk helicopter involved was on a training flight. A military spokesperson confirmed that the helicopter belonged to Bravo Company, 12th Aviation Battalion, based at Davison Army Airfield, Fort Belvoir, and was conducting a routine training mission when the collision occurred.
“We are working with local officials and will provide additional information once it becomes available,” the spokesperson said in a statement to Fox News.
Ongoing Investigation and Recovery Efforts
As search efforts continue, authorities are working to piece together the circumstances surrounding the crash. The identities of the victims have not yet been officially released, but the recovery operation remains a priority.
