Rescue efforts are currently underway in Washington DC
A man has told how he received a text from his wife who was travelling on the American Airlines flight moments before it collided with a US military helicopter.
The Bombardier CRJ700, which was operating as American Airlines 5432, collided mid-air with a Black Hawk helicopter in Washington DC on Wednesday (29 January) night.
The incident occurred at around 9pm local time as the passenger plane was approaching the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said.
The jet – which had departed from Wichita, Kansas – then smashed into the Potomac River, with NBC 4 Washington reporting that the aircraft ‘split in half’ and is ‘seven feet underwater’.
It collided with a Sikorsky H-60 which was carrying three US soldiers, the Pentagon said. Rescue efforts remain underway, with emergency responders trawling the water for survivors.
According to the BBC, 18 bodies have been pulled from the Potomac River so far.
Hamaad Raza explained that he realised ‘something was up’ when his replies to his partner, who was one of the 64 people onboard the plane, didn’t ‘get delivered’.
He has said he is ‘praying’ that his wife has survived the tragedy in an emotional interview. Speaking to news outlet WUSA, he revealed that he had been conversing with his spouse in the moments before the crash.
“I’m just praying that someone is pulling her out of the river right now,” Raza said. “That’s all I can pray for.
“She texted me that they were landing in 20 minutes. The rest of my texts did not get delivered. That’s when I realised something might be up.”
According to US officials, the Army Black Hawk helicopter involved in the incident was on a ‘training flight’.
A military spokesperson told Fox News (via The New York Post): “We can confirm that the aircraft involved in tonight’s incident was an Army UH-60 helicopter from Bravo Company, 12th Aviation Battalion, out of Davison Army Airfield, Fort Belvoir during a training flight.
“We are working with local officials and will provide additional information once it becomes available.”
WASHINGTON, D.C.: A man waiting at the airport tells local news wife was onboard the aircraft and texted him shortly before crash.
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WASHINGTON, D.C.: A man waiting at the airport tells local news wife was onboard the aircraft and texted him shortly before crash.
“I’m just praying that someone is pulling her out of the river right now.”
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board will also be investigating the cause of the crash.
President Donald Trump said he had been ‘fully briefed’ on the incident in a statement shared on Wednesday (29 January) night.
“May God Bless their souls,” he said. “Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise.”
American Airlines CEO, Robert Isom, has also expressed his ‘deep sorrow’ in a video posted to the company’s website.
In a statement, the airline said: “Our concern is for the passengers and crew on board the aircraft. We are in contact with authorities and assisting with emergency response efforts.
“If you believe you may have loved ones on board Flight 5342, call American Airlines toll-free at 800-679-8215. Those calling from outside the U.S. can visit news.aa.com for additional phone numbers.
“Family members in Canada, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands can call 800-679-8215 directly.”
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