'Landing in 20 minutes': Pakistani woman among 67 dead in US plane crash
American journalist denounced for asking inappropriate questions from Pakistani woman's husband
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A Pakistani woman namely Asri Hussain was among 67 people who died in a collision between a passenger jet and a helicopter in Washington, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Friday.
Reports said the deceased woman informed her husband Hamaad Raza through text message that her flight will land in 20 minutes but her husband kept waiting.
Asri Hussain was 26-year-old while her husband was of 25 years of age and the got married just two years ago. Both husband and wife completed their studies from Indiana University. Husband Hammad Raza belonged to Karachi.
Meanwhile, an American journalist was facing backlash for his “inappropriate” questions to a Pakistani man about the US plane crash.
At around 9 pm local time (2 am GMT), an American Airlines flight carrying 64 passengers and crew collided mid-air with an Army Black Hawk helicopter as it approached Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Three crew members were on board the helicopter. Both aircraft then plunged into the Potomac River in Washington DC.
Horrific video footage shows two sets of lights consistent with separate aircraft appearing to conjoin in a fireball.
President Donald Trump said: “I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport. “May God Bless their souls.”
As efforts are made to find survivors, family members and loved ones were worried about the situation.
One of those is Hamaad Raza, whose wife was on the flight.
The Pakistani man gave an interview to Larry Miller of WUSA9, however, attention was on the reporter for his “inappropriate” questions to the distraught man.
Hamaad and his wife had been married for just over two years and he revealed that he got a text from her 20 minutes before the plane was due to land.
He said: “I’m just praying that somebody is pulling her out of the river right now as we speak. That’s all I can pray for. I’m just praying to God.”
When asked about the last time he spoke to his wife, Hamaad said: “She texted me that they’re landing in 20 minutes.”
The reporter then asked Hamaad to show him the text messages, which he did.
Hamaad explained that the rest of his messages failed to deliver, which is when he “realised something might be up”.
Many sympathised with Hamaad and hoped his wife was okay but many were equally angry at the reporter for asking about the plane crash and asking to see the text messages.
In the comments section of the video, one wrote: “I’m sorry but why is your reporter taking advantage of this man in shock and asking to see the texts??! That is so classless and predatory.”
Another shared the clip on X and said: “This is wildly insensitive and inappropriate. I am praying for this man and his wife, God have mercy.”
A user agreed: “I’m glad I’m not the only one who thought that was totally inappropriate.”
A third added: “This really p****d me off! beyond unnecessary. How dare you (news person) ask to see the guy’s text who is obviously in shock and completely lost? Give the guy some EFFING privacy and space.”
Calling for the reporter’s dismissal, a comment read: “Fire this reporter thanks. Disgusting behaviour.”
American Airlines said in a statement: “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 US can visit news.aa.com for additional phone numbers.
“Family members in Canada, Puerto Rico or the US Virgin Islands can call 800-679-8215 directly.”