Tragedy struck Washington, D.C. last night when an American Airlines regional flight collided midair with a U.S. Army helicopter. Both aircraft plunged into the icy Potomac River, leaving families devastated. Among them is Hamaad Raza, whose wife was a passenger on Flight 5342. Her last text to him read, “Landing in 20 minutes.”
The collision occurred around 9:00 PM as both aircraft neared Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The American Airlines flight, with 60 passengers, was traveling from Wichita, Kansas. The U.S. Army helicopter was conducting a routine training exercise with three soldiers aboard.
Chilling CCTV footage captured the moment of impact, showing a massive fireball as the two aircraft collided. Eyewitnesses heard a loud explosion followed by chaos as the plane and helicopter plummeted into the river. Emergency crews are working tirelessly in freezing conditions to search for survivors.
As the search continues, hope is fading for those still missing. Hamaad Raza, struggling with his grief, holds on to a faint hope that his wife might be found alive. American Airlines and President Trump have both expressed their condolences, and the nation mourns this devastating loss.
