A man who was denied entry to the plane that crashed in São Paulo, Brazil killing all onboard, has recounted his harrowing experience and expressed gratitude towards the airline staff who prevented him from boarding.
In an emotional interview with Brazilian news outlet TV Globo, Adriano Assis shared the circumstances leading to his missed flight.
His story, which has gone viral on social media, highlights both the confusion and the narrow escape he experienced.
Assis explained that he mistakenly believed he was supposed to board a Latam flight.
After waiting for boarding announcements that never came, he realized he had actually been scheduled on the regional carrier Voepass flight, which tragically crashed.
Upon realizing the error, Assis hurried to the gate but was denied entry by an airline staff member.
Initially frustrated and arguing with the employee, Assis later expressed deep gratitude, acknowledging that the staff member’s decision ultimately saved his life.
“The guy said I wouldn’t be boarding anymore because it 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 fateful flight. Another passenger also mistook their flight details and did not board. “Thank God we didn’t get on that plane,” the passenger said. “We were supposed to fly with Latam, but we found out too late. We waited and waited, and nothing happened.”
The Voepass flight, bound for Vinhedo in São Paulo, crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in the loss of all lives onboard.