A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded near Reagan National Airport as a commercial airliner and a military Black Hawk helicopter collided midair, leaving families anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones. Among them was Hamaad Raza, who received a text from his wife just minutes before her American Airlines flight crashed into the Potomac River.

Raza recounted the gut-wrenching moment he last heard from his wife. “She texted me that they were landing in 20 minutes,” he shared, showing the messages on his phone. When he realized his responses were not delivering, dread set in. “That’s when I realized something was up.” His hope now is that rescue teams will pull her safely from the icy waters of the Potomac.

Flight 5342, a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 operating for American Airlines, was en route from Wichita, Kansas, when it collided with an Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter during its approach to Runway 33 at Reagan National Airport. The midair disaster happened around 9 p.m. on Wednesday, sending the commercial jet into the Potomac River.

Eyewitness reports indicate that the jet split in half upon impact, leaving the wreckage submerged approximately seven feet underwater. Fireboats and emergency responders rushed to the scene, launching an immediate rescue operation despite frigid conditions.

The Army confirmed that the Black Hawk helicopter was on a routine training flight, operated by Bravo Company, 12th Aviation Battalion from Davison Army Airfield at Fort Belvoir. Thankfully, the aircraft was not carrying any senior officers.

“We are working with local officials and will provide additional information once it becomes available,” an Army spokesperson stated.

The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an investigation into the crash, seeking answers to the cause of this tragic accident.

As rescue efforts continue, families of those aboard Flight 5342 are being directed to call American Airlines for information about their loved ones. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy arrived at Reagan National Airport shortly after the crash to oversee federal response efforts.

President Donald Trump also issued a statement: “I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which took place at Reagan National Airport. May God bless their souls. 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.”

As families await updates, many turn to prayer for comfort and strength. Raza’s desperate hope—that his wife is found alive—resonates with countless others who are holding onto faith during this unimaginable moment.

For Christians around the nation, this tragedy is a reminder to lift up those affected in prayer. We ask God to bring peace to the families in mourning, strength to first responders, and healing to survivors. May His presence bring hope amid heartbreak and may those suffering find solace in His promises.

Prayers For Those Affected

As investigations continue and rescue operations unfold, we invite you to join in prayer for all those involved. May the Lord guide the hands of rescuers, provide wisdom to investigators, and wrap His arms around grieving families. In times of sorrow, we hold fast to the promise that God is near to the brokenhearted.

Let us continue to pray for Hamaad Raza, his wife, and all those anxiously waiting for news. May God’s grace sustain them in this dark hour.