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282 Airplane Passengers Stranded Overnight on Island in the Middle of Atlantic Ocean
Charlotte Jørgensen is reflecting on a heartbreaking tragedy.
A week after an Air Canda plane collided with a Port Authority vehicle at LaGuardia Airport in New York, the Dancing With the Stars alum revealed she was among the 72 passengers aboard the aircraft.
“After a fabulous weekend in Montreal, I boarded Air Canada 8646 bound for La Guardia NYC,” Charlotte wrote in a March 29 Instagram post. “By now, probably most of you have heard of the collision that happened with a firetruck on the runway.”
Indeed, on the evening of March 22, a plane landed safely at the New York airport before colliding with another vehicle on the runway, killing Air Canada pilots Antoine Forest and Mackenzie Gunther and leaving 41 people injured. (The National Transportation Security Board is still investigating what specific air traffic control issue led to the runway collision.)
Looking back on the experience, Charlotte shared she owed her life to the pilots, calling them “two brave souls.”
“They made the ultimate sacrifice so that we all could live,” she continued. “I am indebted to them and my thoughts are with their families.”
As for how she’s doing, Charlotte emphasized that the week since the crash has been “tough—physically, mentally and emotionally.”
“I will be taking time to heal,” the dancer added. “I am grateful for all the love I have received and I send you all an extra warm hug.”
Adam Larkey/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images
The 54-year-old—who was the runner-up alongside John O’Hurley on the very first season of DWTS—isn’t the only passenger who has spoken out about the bravery of the pilots who died in the recent crash.
Similarly, Rebecca Liquori, told NBC News that she felt the aircraft break aggressively ahead of the collision, signifying the pilots were doing everything they could to prevent more harm.
“I’m just so appreciative that they were able to save us, but I’m just so sad that they weren’t able to make it home to their families,” she told the outlet. “I wouldn’t be here had it not been for the pilot acting quickly.”
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