"That is so classless and predatory."
A journalist is facing backlash for his “inappropriate” questions to a 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 onboard 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.
Search and rescue teams are scouring the water in freezing temperatures.
At least 18 bodies have been recovered but Kansas Senator Roger Marshall said all 67 people onboard both aircraft are feared dead.
All flights in and out of the airport have been grounded.
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 are worried about the situation.
One of those is Hamaad Raza, whose wife was on the flight.
He 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”.
This really pissed 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. wtf!#planecrash #jetcollision #raegannationalairport
— Emporium (@EmporiumPixel) January 30, 2025
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. WTF???”
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. Wtf!”
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.”
Loading ...