The phenomenon of narrowly avoiding disaster, such as not boarding an airplane that later crashes, has captured the imagination of many over the years. While statistically rare, there are several instances where individuals have had fortuitous timing, changing their lives by avoiding a tragedy. These stories serve as compelling reminders of the unpredictable nature of life.
One notable example occurred on November 14, 1970, when a Southern Airways flight crashed in West Virginia. The crash claimed the lives of 75 people on board, but three individuals who were initially supposed to be passengers opted not to board the flight due to various reasons. Their last-minute decisions saved their lives and forever altered their trajectories.
Similarly, on March 27, 1977, two individuals had fortunate escapes from disaster when they missed boarding Tenerife Airport's ill-fated KLM Flight 4805. This tragic collision with another aircraft, Pan Am Flight 1736, remains the deadliest aviation accident in history. The passengers who missed the flight were spared from the catastrophic crash that claimed the lives of 583 people.
In more recent times, stories emerged from the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001. Some individuals who were scheduled to be on the hijacked planes missed their flights due to unexpected delays, cancellations, or changes in plans. These survivors later expressed a mix of relief and survivor's guilt, as they narrowly avoided the devastating events that unfolded that day.
While these accounts of narrowly escaping disaster are both chilling and miraculous, they also serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of life. Such incidents highlight the delicate balance between fate and circumstance, where the smallest decisions can have monumental impacts. They also emphasize the importance of cherishing each moment and the people around us.
While these stories are intriguing, they remain exceptions rather than the rule. Air travel, for instance, continues to be one of the safest modes of transportation. Nevertheless, these tales of lucky timing resonate because they speak to the universal human experience of uncertainty and the profound impact of even the most seemingly trivial choices.
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© Nobody's Property Illustrated Series, copyright 2018- | all rights reserved. This illustrated series is for entertainment purposes only. Please do not attempt any homicidal, vigilante, or other illegal acts.