(WXIN/WTTV): An Indiana University Alumnus was among the 67 people killed when a plane crashed into a military helicopter near the Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C. Wednesday night.
FOX59/CBS4 has learned that 26-year-old Asra Hussain was one of 60 passengers and four service crew members on an American Airlines regional passenger jet flying from Kansas when the deadly collision occurred. Hussain’s family has since confirmed that she was originally from Carmel and was returning from a work-related travel.
She’s survived by her husband Hamaad Raza, who confirmed to FOX59/CBS4 that Hussain’s body has not yet been recovered from the wreckage in the icy waters of the Potomac River.
The tragedy unfolded when a Bombardier CRJ700 jet operated by American Airlines regional subsidiary American Eagle was struck by a Black Hawk helicopter while it was conducting a training exercise Wednesday night.
A search is still underway to recover Hussain and the bodies of other passengers. Military officials also confirmed that three soldiers were aboard the helicopter. As of this article’s publication, at least 28 bodies have been recovered from the Potomac River.
The latest reports from the Associated Press indicate that first responders found the plane in an upside-down position as rescue crews continue searching for additional bodies as far south as the Woodrow Wilson Bridge.
Officials have said they do not expect to find any survivors as the collision is being marked as the deadliest air crash on American soil since 2001.
Imam Ahmed Alamine, director of religious affairs at the Indianapolis Muslim Community Association, also confirmed the tragedy in a post on Facebook. Alamine confirmed that he officiated the couple’s wedding.
” We have been informed that a member of our Indianapolis Muslim community was on board American Airlines Flight 5342, which crashed in Washington, D.C. Wednesday night,” the post read. “I am in touch with the family and will make an announcement once the victim has been positively identified and the family has been properly notified by the authorities. I urge everyone to respect the family’s privacy, refrain from making any public statements, and wait for the appropriate time and channel for further updates. Please keep them in your sincere duaa during this difficult time.”
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