Hamaad Raza, the man whose wife was on board American Airlines Flight 5342 when it collided with a US military helicopter, shared the last text she had sent to him.
The plane was flying from Wichita, Kansas to Washington DC. and crashed at around 9 p.m. on Wednesday night.
In a heartbreaking interview with WUSA9, Raza revealed his wife texted him, “Landing in 20 minutes.” When his replies weren’t delivered, he sensed something could not be right.
Raza’s wife, who had traveled to and from Wichita for work, was fearful of flying and never really felt comfortable while on board, Raza disclosed with reporter Larry Miller.
“I’m just praying that somebody’s pulling her out of the river right now, as we speak.”
“That’s all I can pray for. I’m just praying to God,” a desperate Raza told WUSA9.
American Airlines Flight 5342, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, plunged into the icy Potomac River. Meanwhile, a separate helicopter carrying three soldiers was also involved.
According to People, several members of the U.S. Figure Skating team were among those on board at the time of the crash.
In a statement to the publication, the governing body confirmed: “These athletes, coaches, and family members were returning home from the National Development Camp, held alongside the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas.”
As per the BBC, approximately 300 rescuers in rubber boats have been sent out on the Potomac River to search for survivors, said John Donnelly, Washington, DC’s fire and emergency services chief.
“The challenge is access, there is wind, pieces of ice (on the water). It is dangerous and hard to work in,” Donelly said.
Later, Donelly said, “Despite their efforts, we are now at a point where we are switching from a rescue operation to a recovery operation. At this point, we do not believe there are any survivors from this accident.”
Following the tragic crash, 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.
“Our concern is for the passengers and crew on board the aircraft. We are in contact with authorities and assisting with emergency response efforts.”
President Donald Trump, who took office on Monday, said he was closely following the issue and confirmed receiving a detailed briefing on “the horrible accident.”
“May God Bless their souls,” he said in a statement. “Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders.”
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