Two passengers destined for the ill-fated plane crash in Brazil that claimed 62 lives narrowly escaped death after a mix-up resulted in them missing their flight. They recounted their harrowing experience, highlighting the extraordinary role of chance and the kindness of airline staff.
On a fateful Friday, tragedy struck the skies of Brazil as a VoePass airliner crashed into a residential area, killing all 62 people on board. However, amidst the somber news emerged a remarkable story of survival. Two passengers, Adriano Assis and Jose Felipe, shared how a simple misunderstanding saved their lives.
Assis, an employee of a hospital, arrived at the LATAM Airlines counter with only an hour to spare before his flight from Cascavel to Guarulhos. As he waited patiently, he noticed a peculiar absence—there were no agents at the desk. Time slipped away as he scanned departure boards and anxiously listened to announcements, but there was no mention of Flight 2283.
Miracle Survivors Reveal How a Mix-Up Saved Their Lives in Brazil Plane Crash
Driven by a sudden realization, Assis approached a coffee shop, his eyes fixed on the digital screens. As he searched for updates on his flight, a horrifying discovery unfolded. He had mistakenly booked his ticket with VoePass, not LATAM.
With a surge of panic, Assis rushed to the VoePass counter, only to find an excruciatingly long line. By the time he reached an agent, it was too late. The boarding time had passed, and the plane was preparing for departure.
Miracle Survivors Reveal How a Mix-Up Saved Their Lives in Brazil Plane Crash
Tears streaming down his face, Assis recounted the agent's refusal to allow him on the flight. "I argued and stuff, and that was it, and he saved my life, man," Assis tearfully told a Brazilian news outlet. "He did his job because... if he hadn't done it... maybe I wouldn't be in this interview today, sorry."
Felipe, another passenger, echoed Assis's experience. As part of a group of 10, Felipe assumed they were all boarding a LATAM flight. To their surprise, the counter was closed. Panic set in as they realized their mistake.
Miracle Survivors Reveal How a Mix-Up Saved Their Lives in Brazil Plane Crash
"I thought I was going to leave on LATAM which was closed," Felipe said. "Thank God, we didn’t get on that plane. We didn’t know it was going to be with that company [VoePass], we thought it was going to be with LATAM, and LATAM was closed."
Felipe pleaded with the airline worker, but his request to board the flight was denied. Disappointment turned into relief as they learned of the tragic fate that befell VoePass Flight 2283.
Miracle Survivors Reveal How a Mix-Up Saved Their Lives in Brazil Plane Crash
The Capela neighborhood where the plane crashed was far from the city center. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva requested a minute of silence at an event in southern Brazil on Friday as he announced the news.
Aviation experts analyzed video footage of the crash, suggesting that the airliner may have stalled in midair due to engine failure or malfunction. The radar data showed a "rapid descent," indicating a potential loss of lift.
Miracle Survivors Reveal How a Mix-Up Saved Their Lives in Brazil Plane Crash
The plane's manufacturer, ATR, stated that specialists were assisting in the investigation. The black box, or flight data recorder, was recovered by officials.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, VoePass staff at the Guarulhos airport supported victims' family members at a private room. The company expressed its condolences and promised to provide all necessary assistance.
As the investigation continues, the near-death experiences of Assis and Felipe serve as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of serendipitous events that can alter destinies.
