Hamaad Raza, whose wife was onboard American Airlines Flight 5342, has shared the final text message she sent him just minutes before the plane’s tragic mid-air collision with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter over Washington, D.C. At 8:47 p.m. on January 29, Raza’s wife texted him, “They were landing in 20 minutes.” Moments later, the aircraft went down into the Potomac River.
Raza, speaking to WUSA9, described his growing fear as he realized something was wrong. “I’m just praying that someone is pulling her out of the river right now as we speak, that’s all I can pray for, I’m just praying to God.” He also revealed that after receiving her last message, none of his texts were delivered, which is when he knew something was terribly wrong.
Authorities have since recovered 18 bodies from the crash site, with search and rescue teams working in freezing waters to locate more victims. Air traffic control audio captured the chaotic moments after the collision, with one witness describing the scene as looking like a “giant Roman candle” with sparks shooting from the plane’s tail.
President Donald Trump addressed the tragedy, stating he had been “fully briefed” and was “monitoring the situation.” He also thanked first responders for their “incredible work” and added, “May God bless their souls.” The crash remains under investigation as families wait for answers.
