By Jennifer Amarachi
A man who was denied access to the jet that crashed in São Paulo, Brazil killing all onboard, recalled his traumatic experience and expressed gratitude to the airline staff who prevented him from boarding.
Adriano Assis spoke with Brazilian news station TV Globo about the events that led to his missed flight. His story has gone viral on social media, highlighting both the misunderstanding and the near escape he had. Assis explained that he had incorrectly thought he was going to board a Latam flight.
After waiting for boarding notices that never arrived, he found he had been scheduled on the regional carrier Voepass flight, which tragically crashed.
When Assis realized the error, he dashed to the gate but was denied admittance by an airline employee. Initially furious and arguing with the employee, Assis subsequently expressed profound thanks, acknowledging that the staff member’s decision saved his life.
“The person claimed I wouldn’t be boarding anymore because there was an hour before boarding.
“At that moment, I argued with him and stuff, and that was it, and he saved my life.” Assis was not alone in missing the crucial flight.
Another person mistook their flight information and did not board. “Thank God we didn’t get on that plane,” the passenger remarked.
“We were meant to fly with Latam, but we learned too late. We waited and waited, but nothing happened”.
The Voepass flight to Vinhedo, São Paulo, crashed shortly after takeoff, killing everyone on board.
