In a heart-wrenching revelation, Hamaad Raza has shared the final texts from his wife before the tragic crash of American Airlines Flight 5342. The plane, en route to Washington, tragically collided with a military helicopter, leading to a catastrophic emergency landing in the Potomac River.
Raza’s wife, just 26 years old, had sent him a message moments before the crash, reassuring him that the flight would be landing in 20 minutes. However, his follow-up texts never reached her, leaving him in agonizing suspense as news of the disaster unfolded.
“She was always uneasy about flying,” Raza revealed, adding that she had traveled to Wichita for work and was eagerly looking forward to returning home. The silence that followed her last message haunts him, as emergency responders continue their rescue operations.
Emergency Crews Rush to the Scene
Within minutes of the crash, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) officials and emergency responders mobilized to search for survivors in the icy waters of the Potomac. Eyewitnesses described seeing passengers pulled from the wreckage, some clinging to pieces of debris.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched a full investigation into the collision, seeking to determine how a commercial flight and military aircraft ended up on the same path.
Survivors Speak Out
One of the surviving passengers, Michael Green, described the terrifying moments before impact. “There was a loud bang, and suddenly the plane shook violently. People were screaming, and then everything went dark.”
Many passengers owe their survival to the quick response of rescue teams, who arrived at the scene within minutes. Coast Guard divers were instrumental in pulling individuals from the wreckage, battling against time and freezing temperatures.
Aviation Experts Weigh In
Aviation analysts are questioning how such an incident occurred, especially in a heavily monitored airspace near Washington. According to Captain John Douglas, a former commercial pilot, “Mid-air collisions are exceedingly rare due to modern air traffic control systems. There must have been a critical failure in communication or navigation.”
Authorities are also reviewing black box recordings to understand the final moments before impact.
Condolences and Support for Victims’ Families
As the investigation continues, outpourings of grief and support have flooded in from across the nation. American Airlines has pledged to assist affected families and is working closely with federal agencies in the ongoing inquiry.
Raza, now left with only memories of his wife, hopes for answers and accountability. “I just want to know what happened to my wife in her final moments,” he shared.
