If you’ve been channel surfing all night like I have, you’ve probably seen the TLC commercial about the show that will celebrate the 1 year anniversary of the US Airways Flight 1549 crash that made Captain Sullenberger an American hero. And if you’re like me, you choke up a little bit- it’s so rare for things like this to not end in catastrophe.
On January 15, 2009 the US Airways Flight 1549 took off from LaGuardia Airport in New York and lost engine power. The pilot, Captain Sullenberger, turned the plane southbound and skillfully glided the aircraft into the Hudson River, intentionally landing near operating boats to increase the chance of rescue. There were 155 passengers onboard, who were successfully evacuated from the plane in the river.
‘Brace for Impact’ airs Sunday, January 10 on TLC at 9pm.
If this story doesn’t break your heart, nothing will. How crazy that a crash that can kill two can leave others in the vehicle unharmed.
Four young girls were orphaned Saturday in a Virginia crash that claimed the lives of their parents, Michael, 47, and Jeanne Merrill, 42. Three of the four Merrill girls, aged 13, 3, and 18 months, were in the car with their parents at the time of the fatal collision. A fourth child, 9, was in the care of a friend’s parents. All three girls suffered minor injuries and were released to the care of relatives. Police don’t believe alcohol and speed were factors in the accident, but indicate that heavy rain may have been a contributing factor. Two other people in different cars were killed in the crash, in which two cars in opposite lanes veered into the lane in which the Merrills were driving.
Although injury to the Merrill girls was minor, Michael and Jeanne Merrill were pronounced dead at the scene. Funeral services are planned for the couple at local St. Bernadette’s parish on Thursday
