Manchester will once again honour those impacted by the devastating Munich air disaster, which took the lives of 23 people.
It will be 68 years since the plane accident that claimed the lives of eight Manchester United players and three officials on Friday, February 6.
According to Manchester Evening News, United have stated that Old Trafford will host a commemoration service for fans to pay their condolences and remember those who died in the disaster.
Meanwhile, condolences at Munich’s Manchesterplatz Memorial will be led by officials of the Manchester Munich Memorial Foundation (MMMF).
How The Tragic Incident Happened
Tragedy struck on February 6, 1958. After playing in a European Cup match against Red Star Belgrade in Yugoslavia, Man United’s team and other passengers boarded a chartered British European Airways aircraft to return home.
The Airspeed Ambassador 2 made a refueling stop in Munich. Two takeoff attempts failed due to engine problems, and by the time a third attempt was made, slush from the snow had covered the runway.
The plane struck a house after crashing through a fence near the end of the runway.
Seven players died at the scene; Bobby Charlton and manager Sir Matt Busby suffered serious injuries but recovered, while Duncan Edwards passed away in the hospital two weeks later. Tom Jackson of the Manchester Evening News was among the eight sports journalists that died.
According to investigations, the aircraft was slowed down by the slush on the runway, which prevented it from taking off quickly enough or from having enough runway to abort takeoff.
Every year, United supporters and followers attend memorial ceremonies at Old Trafford to offer their respects. The tragedy at Germany’s Munich-Riem Airport happened 68 years ago this year.
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