A man whose wife is still missing after an American Airlines flight collided with an army helicopter near Ronald Reagan Aiport, Washington, DC crashing into the Potomac River has shared a heartbreaking story.

The commercial flight, American Eagle Flight No. 5342 which had 64 people on board, had departed from Wichita, Kansas, en route to Washington, DC when it collided with an army helicopter while landing.

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The military helicopter had three US army soldiers on board.

According to BBC News, 19 bodies have been recovered so far after the Wednesday, January 29 deadly crash.

The publication added that the US Figure Skating Association confirmed that several members of the skating community were on board the plane.

Hamaad Raaza, whose wife was aboard the ill-fated plane, shared details of their last conversation before she went offline.

Speaking to WUSA9, the heartbroken man hoped his wife would be rescued from the river.

"I'm just praying that somebody is pulling her out of the river right now as we speak. That's all I'm praying to God. She texted me that they were landing in 20 minutes," he said showing their last WhatsApp chats.

Hamaad then sent her a message, but it wasn't delivered.

"That is when I realised something may be up," he shared.

Below is the video:

Netizens comforted Hamaad Raaza, praying his wife would be rescued alive.

"Heartbreaking 💔. Praying for this man and all affected 🙏🏼🥺."

"Dear Lord, we pray that this man’s wife is found safe and alive! 🙏🏾."

"I want you to have your wife back as well. You're being so strong right now. 🫶🏾."

"God, please send your power to these people during this time."

"This is so saddening."

"So heartbreaking...May God take control."

"Nothing hurts more than this."

"Painful! Heartbreaking 😭😭."

"May God see you through."

In another story, the US president took to Truth Social, suggesting the tragic crash between an American Airlines jet and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter could have been prevented.

The president pointed out that the military chopper headed for the passenger jet for a prolonged time before the collision.

Emergency teams face freezing waters, strong winds, and low visibility as they search for survivors, with 18 bodies recovered so far.

The FAA grounded all flights at Reagan National Airport, rerouting traffic to Dulles, while DC Metro extended operations to assist stranded passengers.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, current affairs journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke