
Husband Shares Heartbreaking Final Text from Wife on Doomed American Airlines Flight
0
In a tragic turn of events, a man is desperately praying for the survival of his wife after American Airlines Flight 5342 collided with a US military helicopter and plunged into the Potomac River near Washington DC. Hamaad Raza, whose wife was aboard the ill-fated flight, shared his anguish in a heart-wrenching interview with CBS affiliate WUSA.
On January 18, American Airlines Flight 5342 was en route from Wichita, Kansas, to Washington DC when it disastrously collided with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter. The collision occurred in one of the world’s most tightly controlled and monitored airspaces, just over three miles south of the White House and the Capitol, resulting in both aircraft plunging into the icy waters of the Potomac River, reported by Metro.co.uk.
Hamaad Raza, visibly shaken, recounted the moments leading up to the crash. “The rest of my text didn’t get delivered. That’s when I realised that something might be up,” he explained. “I’m just praying that someone is pulling her out of the river right now.”
The crash has prompted an extensive search and rescue operation, with hundreds of first responders working tirelessly to recover passengers from the freezing river. Despite the rapid response, the severity of the crash has left families and authorities grappling with uncertainty.
American Airlines confirmed that there were 60 passengers and four crew members aboard the jet, while the helicopter, on a training flight, was carrying three US Army soldiers. As of now, no official death toll has been released. However, US Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas, the flight’s origin state, suggested that most, if not all, those on board may have perished.
“It’s really hard when you lose probably over 60 Kansans simultaneously,” Marshall stated during a press conference at Reagan Airport. “When one person dies, it’s a tragedy, but when many, many, many people die, it’s an unbearable sorrow. It’s a heartbreak beyond measure.”
Among the passengers were Russian former world ice skating champions Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, as reported by Russian state media. Additionally, several US ice skaters, family members, and coaches returning from a camp following figure skating championships in Wichita were also on board, according to the governing body US Figure Skating.
Relatives gathered at Reagan Airport in the early hours of Thursday morning, facing little official information about the incident. The uncertainty has left many in a state of disbelief and mourning. One distraught man was seen weeping on the sidewalk at 3 a.m., embodying the collective grief of those awaiting news of their loved ones.
The tragic accident underscores the fragility of life and the suddenness with which it can be altered. Hamaad Raza’s poignant plea highlights the personal toll such disasters take on families. As the investigation continues, authorities are meticulously piecing together the events that led to the catastrophic collision, aiming to provide answers and closure to the affected families.
The incident has also sparked discussions about airspace safety and the protocols in place to prevent such tragedies. With the Potomac River being a vital waterway in the nation’s capital, the crash has raised concerns about the effectiveness of current safety measures and emergency response strategies.
As the nation mourns the loss of lives in this devastating crash, Hamaad Raza remains hopeful for a miracle. “I’m just praying that someone is pulling her out of the river right now,” he reiterated, embodying the enduring hope that sustains families in the face of unimaginable loss.
Authorities continue to urge anyone with information to come forward as the search and investigation efforts persist. The community stands united in support of the victims’ families, reflecting on the profound impact of such unforeseen tragedies.