It’s difficult to find a positive storyline from a tragic event. Take Saturday’s plane crash at Crawford Bay as an example.
After attempting to pull out of a landing at the nearby airport, a Cessna crashed at the neighbouring golf course. The pilot was severely injured while the passenger was killed.
Tragic, no matter how you look at it.
However, it could have been worse. The death toll could have doubled if not for the quick, heroic actions of some passersby.
The pilot owes his life to the brave people who rushed to the flaming wreckage and managed to pull him to safety.
Moments after getting clear from the plane, the flames intensified. Without their decisive action, the pilot surely would have been doomed.
He is fortunate that people of such character were nearby. While many may say they would have done the same thing in an emergency, it is only speculation.
People tend to react differently to traumatic situations, even if they are merely witnesses. Some take action, others watch, other look away. It’s the fight-or-flight phenomenon for witnesses.
It takes something special to look at a burning, gasoline-filled plane and not wonder if keeping a safe distance wouldn’t be the wiser course of action.
But they didn’t.
Their actions helped save a life and that deserves recognition.
Yes they were working on instinct. Yes they were just reacting to the scenario in front of them, but they reacted like heroes.
Their actions are the lone positive to come from this sad event.
The pilot will remember this for the rest of his life. The heroes will remember it as well. The least we can do is acknowledge their bravery.