Both Malaysia Air disasters stunned the world – especially the man who was booked on both flights.
The Malaysia Air flight over Ukraine was shot down with 298 people on board; the flight from Kuala Lumpur in march disappeared with 239 passengers; and in each instance one man was missing.
Dutch cyclist Maarten de Jonge was supposed to be on both planes but both times changed his ticket.
Most recently, he was headed to a race in Taiwan but wanted to avoid a layover.
This is what he posted on his website:
“How happy I am for myself and my family that I was on this flight and did not take it the last moment; my story is ultimately nothing compared to the misery … Attention should be paid to the victims and survivors. Wishing everyone affected by this disaster a lot of strength.”
Other similar stories have appeared.
Izzy Sim, her husband and child were all supposed to be on the flight over Ukraine.
“I’m shaking. I don’t even know what to do. I’m feeling physically sick.”
“I’m just thinking that I feel like I’ve been given a second chance.”
Kaylene Mann lost relatives on both Malaysia Air flights.
“Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with their families around the world who are going through just unimaginable grief.”
As for de Jonge? He still plans to board Malaysia Air for his next flight, saying despite his two close calls:
“I got lucky twice, it will go well a third time.”
