What Happened in Thailand

September 18, 2007 - 12:30 PM by Stephanie

Sunday’s flight #269 crash on Thailand’s isle of Phuket is taking its toll here in Israel; Eight Israelis listed as passengers were reported missing a day after the flight.

Images of body bags on the ground in Thailand, anguished parents and Israeli rescue workers en route to Thailand splash across today’s front pages.

One glimmer of light in the mire is the story of hero passenger, Israeli Vladimir Freilichman. Seated in the Emergency Exit row, Vladimir attempted to open the door on his side when the plane went over. It was stuck so he ran to the opposite door and with the aid of another passenger kick-forced it open. All the while, he relayed to reporters, the smell of gasoline and smoke filled the cabin.

Next he threw his wife Isabella out onto the wing and helped dozens of other passengers escape the burning plane before himself jumping onto the wing.

He and his wife are in hospital in Thailand with hip fractures. They were visited by Thailand’s foreign minister and an Israeli embassy delegation who told Vladimir his heroism saved the lives of multiple passengers.

Geeyad.

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