Manchester is once again today remembering those affected by the Munich air disaster, which tragically claimed the lives of 23 people.
Today (Friday 6 February), marks 68 years since the plane tragedy which killed eight Manchester United players and three officials. Manchester United have announced that a remembrance service is to be held at Old Trafford, for supporters to pay their respects and remember those who lost their lives in the incident.
At the same time, representatives from the Manchester Munich Memorial Foundation (MMMF) will lead tributes at the Manchesterplatz Memorial in Munich. Tragedy struck on February 6, 1958. Manchester United had been to Yugoslavia to play in a European Cup tie against Red Star Belgrade before the squad and others on board set off for home on a chartered British European Airways plane.
The aircraft, an Airspeed Ambassador 2, stopped in Munich to refuel. Engine issues led to two aborted take-offs and by the time a third take-off attempt was made, snow had covered the runway with slush.
Manchester is once again today remembering those affected by the Munich air disaster, which tragically claimed the lives of 23 people. (Photo: Getty Images)placeholder image
Manchester is once again today remembering those affected by the Munich air disaster, which tragically claimed the lives of 23 people. (Photo: Getty Images) | Getty Images
The aircraft crashed through a fence at the end of the runway and into a house. Seven players died at the scene - Duncan Edwards died in hospital a fortnight later, while others including Bobby Charlton and manager Sir Matt Busby were gravely injured but would go on to recover.
Eight sports journalists were also killed. Investigations determined that the slush on the runway had slowed down the aircraft, leaving it with not enough speed to leave the ground and not enough runway to abort take-off.
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Who died in the Munich air disaster?
Twenty people died at the scene while three more died at Munich’s Rechts der Isar Hospital, including Duncan Edwards who battled for his life for 15 days. The Manchester United players who died were Geoff Bent, Roger Byrne, Eddie Colman, Duncan Edwards, Mark Jones, David Pegg, Tommy Taylor, and Liam Whelan.
The eight journalists who passed away following the crash, are Alf Clarke; Donny Davies; George Follows; Tom Jackson; Archie Ledbrooke; Henry Rose; Eric Thompson, and Frank Swift. Manchester United staff were also killed in the tragedy including club secretary Walter Crickmer, trainer Tom Curry and coach Bert Whalley. Aircraft captain Ken Rayment, fellow crew member Tom Cable, travel agent Bela Miklos and supporter Willie Satinoff were also victims of the crash.
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