NEW DELHI: A tragic mid-air collision between an Army helicopter and a commercial airplane at Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington on January 31, 2025, has resulted in the deaths of 67 people, including two Indian-origin passengers.
Vikesh Patel, a prominent MRO Transformational Leader at GE Aerospace, and Asra Hussain Raza, a DC-based consultant, were aboard American Airlines flight 5342, which collided with the military aircraft during the flight.
Patel, residing in Greater Cincinnati, had recently transitioned to his new role at GE Aerospace with national responsibilities. His employer, GE Aerospace, confirmed his presence on the ill-fated flight, expressing deep sorrow at the loss.
ALSO READ: Yarden Bibas to be released by Hamas, but his family remains captive
In a statement, GE Aerospace Chairman and CEO Larry Culp said, “This is a tragedy not only for our industry but also for the GE Aerospace team.”
Patel had been with GE Aerospace for over a decade, serving in various capacities, including Senior Operations Manager and Lean Transformation Coach, before his most recent role as MRO Transformational Leader.
His untimely death has left a void in his professional community, with colleagues mourning the loss of a valued team member.
Asra Hussain Raza, 26, was confirmed as a victim by her father-in-law, Dr. Hashim Raza, in a statement to CNN.
ALSO READ: Kash Patel’s ‘Jai Shri Krishna’ moment at US Congress sparks debate
Born to Indian immigrant parents, Raza had recently married her university sweetheart, Hamaad Raza, in August 2023. She had completed her studies at Indiana University and worked as a consultant in Washington, DC.
Raza was frequently traveling to Wichita for a hospital improvement project and was known for her caring nature. Her father-in-law recalled how Raza always went above and beyond for others, making the tragedy even more poignant.
Raza’s final communication with her husband, just minutes before the crash, was a message that read, “We’re landing in 20 minutes.” Tragically, this would be the last time they spoke.
This devastating accident is now marked as America’s worst aviation disaster since 2001, sending shockwaves through the community and leaving many families in grief.
The incident has also raised concerns about air safety, with investigations underway to determine the cause of the collision.
