Close Calls and Close Escapes: Passengers Share Their Near-Miss Experiences
On a fateful Monday, Kim O’Connell, a 29-year-old passenger, found himself at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, bound for Toronto. As he boarded a Delta regional jet, he made a life-altering decision: to give up his seat in exchange for a $500 voucher and the promise of a later flight.
While O’Connell initially hesitated to disrupt his travel plans, he reasoned that since he had the day off work, it would be a small sacrifice. Little did he know that his choice would save his life.
As O’Connell settled into his later flight and connected to Wi-Fi, a barrage of messages flooded his phone from colleagues asking about his well-being. The news that the flight he was originally booked on had crashed in Toronto sent shockwaves through his body.
Profoundly shaken, O’Connell shared the harrowing news with two other passengers who had also given up their seats on the ill-fated flight. The realization that they had narrowly escaped death evoked a wave of emotions, from tears to disbelief.
Meanwhile, aboard a plane descending towards Toronto Pearson Airport, Sarah Purser and her 9-year-old son experienced a chilling encounter. Their jet abruptly ascended, followed by an announcement from the pilot that the airport was closed due to an unspecified incident.
As the plane was rerouted to Montreal, Purser and the other passengers frantically searched for information on their phones. Horrifying images of the overturned aircraft sent shivers down their spines. Against all odds, everyone aboard the crashed flight had survived.
Michaela Renee Jonnson, a licensed psychotherapist and commercial pilot, explains that close calls like these can trigger near-miss or survivors’ guilt in travelers. These emotions stem from a deep sense of questioning one’s own choices and actions, wondering how they might have altered the outcome.
In the aftermath of the crash, Hasna Nizamuddin found herself stranded at Toronto Pearson Airport, anxiously awaiting a flight home to Montreal. As news of the disaster spread, panic and uncertainty gripped the terminal.
Nizamuddin spent a sleepless night at the airport, witnessing firsthand the chaos and desperation as fellow travelers scrambled to make alternative arrangements. She eventually rented a car and drove through treacherous snow for over seven hours to reach her destination.
Jonnson emphasizes that the response to a close call can vary greatly depending on an individual’s past experiences and coping mechanisms. She suggests reaching out to trusted individuals or mental health professionals for support and perspective.
While air travel remains statistically safer than other modes of transportation, recent events have understandably heightened anxiety among some travelers. Jonnson acknowledges that fear can be a powerful force but encourages individuals to weigh the risks rationally and consider the safety measures in place.
For O’Connell, the close call served as a profound reminder of the fragility of life. After escaping the clutches of fate, he expressed overwhelming gratitude for his survival and the safety of his fellow passengers.
In the wake of such harrowing experiences, it is crucial to acknowledge the psychological toll they can take on individuals involved, either directly or indirectly. By sharing their stories, these passengers shed light on the emotional burden of close calls and the importance of seeking support during times of heightened stress and anxiety.
