Husband reveals final text from wife minutes before American Airlines crash
Tragedy struck Washington, D.C., last night when an American Airlines regional flight and a U.S. Army helicopter collided midair, sending both aircraft plummeting into the icy waters of the Potomac River. The catastrophic crash has left dozens presumed dead and families desperate for answers as rescue teams battle treacherous conditions in a race against time.
Among the heartbroken loved ones left in anguish is Hamaad Raza, whose wife was aboard Flight 5342. Just minutes before the fatal collision, she sent him a text—her final message.
“Landing in 20 minutes.”
When his follow-up texts went unanswered, dread took hold. Soon, his worst fears became reality.
A Catastrophic Collision Over Washington, D.C.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the crash occurred at approximately 9:00 PM as the American Airlines CRJ-700, operated by PSA Airlines, approached Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The jet, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members on a route from Wichita, Kansas, was just minutes from touchdown.
At the same time, a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter was in the air conducting a routine training exercise. Three soldiers were onboard.
Then—disaster struck.
Horrifying Footage Captures the Moment of Impact
A nearby security camera captured chilling footage of the moment the two aircraft collided. The video, now circulating online, shows a massive fireball erupting in the night sky, illuminating the darkness as flaming debris spirals toward the Potomac River.
Eyewitnesses described hearing a deafening explosion before witnessing a horrifying cascade of wreckage plunging into the freezing water.
“There was this loud, gut-wrenching boom,” one witness recalled. “Then fire—everywhere. And suddenly, it was dark again.”
Officials have yet to confirm the exact number of casualties, but with every passing hour, the likelihood of finding survivors diminishes.
Rescue Teams Battle the Elements in a Desperate Search
Emergency responders have been working tirelessly since the crash, navigating brutal conditions in an effort to locate survivors.
Washington, D.C., Fire and Emergency Services Chief John Donnelly described the rescue mission as “extremely difficult,” citing near-freezing temperatures, strong winds, and thick sheets of ice on the river.
“The challenge is access—there is wind, pieces of ice. It is dangerous and hard to work in,” Donnelly explained.
More than 300 emergency personnel are on-site, deploying boats, sonar equipment, and dive teams to scan the wreckage. Despite their efforts, hopes are fading.
A Husband’s Heartbreaking Final Exchange with His Wife
For Hamaad Raza, the past 24 hours have been nothing short of a nightmare.
His wife was returning home to Washington, D.C., on Flight 5342 when she sent him a simple text, just minutes before the crash.
“Landing in 20 minutes.”
Those were the last words she ever sent him.
“I kept texting her back, but my messages didn’t go through,” Raza told reporters, his voice shaking. “That’s when I knew something was wrong.”
Now, he clings to a single desperate hope.
“I’m just praying that someone is pulling her out of the river right now as we speak,” he said, fighting back tears. “That’s all I can pray for.”
American Airlines Speaks Out
Following the devastating loss, American Airlines released a statement addressing the tragedy.
“Our concern is for the passengers and crew on board the aircraft,” the statement read. “We are in contact with authorities and assisting with emergency response efforts.”
The airline has set up a toll-free hotline for families seeking information about loved ones and is providing updates through their official website.
President Trump Addresses the Nation’s Grief
Newly inaugurated President Donald Trump expressed his condolences, acknowledging the depth of the nation’s sorrow.
“May God bless their souls,” he said in a statement. “And thank you to the incredible first responders who are risking their lives in the rescue effort.”
He assured the public that the federal government would provide full support in the investigation and vowed that “we will find out how this happened and make sure it never happens again.”
A Nation Holds Its Breath
As the country mourns, families wait in agonizing uncertainty, clinging to hope as the search for survivors continues.
With recovery operations now underway, investigators are working to determine the cause of the collision and ensure accountability. But for those like Hamaad Raza, no investigation, no explanation, and no justice can fill the void left by this unimaginable loss.
Our thoughts and prayers remain with all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.