The last text message from a passenger’s wife has been made public following the tragic crash of an American Airlines flight over Washington, DC.
The FAA confirmed the aircraft struck a US Army helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport at 21:00 local time. The jet, carrying four crew members and 60 passengers, collided with the chopper, which had three soldiers onboard. CCTV footage captured a fireball as both aircraft plunged into the Potomac River.
Officials are prioritizing rescue efforts and have not confirmed casualties. “The challenge is access, there is wind, pieces of ice (on the water). It is dangerous and hard to work in,” said John Donnelly, DC’s fire chief. Around 300 rescuers are searching for survivors.
Hamaad Raza, a passenger on Flight 5342, revealed his wife’s final message: “‘Landing in 20 minutes,’ the rest of my texts did not get delivered, that’s when I realized something might be up.”
President Trump, recently sworn in, called it a “horrible accident” and praised first responders. American Airlines confirmed Flight 5342’s involvement and urged concerned relatives to contact their helpline.
