Man Shares Final Text Received from Wife Before Fatal Plane Crash Over D.C.
on Jan 30, 2025
Unthinkable Tragedy: Plane Crash Above Washington D.C.
At approximately 8:48 pm on the evening of Wednesday, January 29th, an American Airlines passenger jet was making its approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport when it unexpectedly collided with a military Black Hawk helicopter.
The fiery collision sent both aircraft plunging into the Potomac River below. Washington, D.C. mayor Muriel Bowser confirmed that 64 individuals (60 passengers and 4 crew members) were aboard the American Airlines flight and 3 crew members on the helicopter.
There are expected to be no survivors.
More Details Of The Crash Emerge
As the sun rose on Thursday, January 30th, more details of the incident slowly became known. The passenger jet, American Airlines flight 5342, originated from Witchita, Kansas. The Army helicopter had departed from Fort Belvoir on a routine night flight evaluation.
The U.S. Figure Skating Organization confirmed that athletes, families, and coaches from the organization were aboard the plane as they were returning home from the national championships.
A massive recovery mission is underway, including fireboats and divers in the frigid waters. Metro Police Department and multiple fire departments from the surrounding areas have responded to the scene. Approximately 30 bodies have been recovered so far, according to officials who spoke during a Thursday morning press conference.
The cause of the crash has not been confirmed at this time. Both aircraft appeared to be in their standard flight patterns, and the US Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, added that there was no communication breakdown.
Man Shares Final Text Received From Wife Aboard Plane
Although the identities of those who perished have yet to be confirmed, some family members have begun to speak out following the heartbreaking incident.
Hamaad Raza told CNN affiliate WUSA that his wife had been on board flight 5342. He recalled the last text messages they exchanged, which likely occurred moments before the impact.
“She texted me that they were landing in 20 minutes… The rest of my texts did not get delivered, that’s when I realized something might be up.”
Raza says he is holding onto hope that someone might still pull her from the river.
Our hearts are with everyone affected by this unthinkable tragedy. Check back for more updates on the plane crash near Washington, D.C., as they become available.
