In life, we can often find that the worst times we go through are particularly overwhelming because so many serious problems or even terrible tragedies all strike us at the same time.
Although we eternally struggle to figure out whether this is by design or simply the result of the worst possibilities that come from a world filled with random chance, it seems it’s never enough to weather a difficult time.
And sadly, the world has given us much to be anxious about in recent months. Australia’s bushfires bring it nearly unimaginable destruction with no end in sight, Puerto Rico faces the aftermath of a devastating earthquake, and American and Iranian citizens alike wait white-knuckled as war between the two nations seems imminent.
But no matter what else is going on throughout the world, it remains true that tragedy can strike at any time. And a devastating tragedy has occurred in Iran minutes after a Ukranian airplane took off.
Early in the morning of January 8, 2020, Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 took off Imam Khomeini International Airport in Tehran, Iran.
As CBC reported , the plane climbed to less than 8,000 feet before crashing minutes after takeoff.
The crash claimed the lives of all 167 passengers and nine crew members aboard.
Although search and rescue teams were dispatched to the scene of the crash, no survivors have been located in the wreckage of the Boeing 737.
According to the CBC , 82 Iranians, 63 Canadians, 11 Ukrainians were among the dead, which also included 10 Swedish, four Afghan, three German and three British nationals.
The jet’s remains were discovered in some farmland near Iran’s capital and both black boxes were reportedly recovered.
Although investigation of the crash remains ongoing, Qassem Biniaz of Iran’s Road and Transportation Ministry said a fire appeared to start in one of the plane’s engines and the pilot soon lost control of the aircraft.
Hassan Razaeifar, who leads the committee investigating the crash, also stated that the pilot was apparently unable to communicate with air-traffic controllers before the plane impacted.
Iranian officials now suspect that the plane crash was caused by a mechanical issue.
Although Ukranian officials seemed to agree at first, they have since retracted all such commentary until the investigation concludes.
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In the wake of the crash, Ukraine International Airlines has announced the indefinite suspension of all flights to Tehran.
Ukranian officials have also offered to send a group of specialists to assist both search operations and the investigation of the crash’s cause.
h/t: CBC
