4 hours Ago
BUFFALO, N.Y. — For many in Western New York, the deadly mid-air collision in Washington D.
C. serving as déjà vu. A painful reminder of a tragedy nearly 16 years past: the crash of Continental Flight 3407 in Clarence Center.
For families of the 49 victims, like Clarence resident Jennifer West, the D.C. crash brings back a wave of all-too-familiar emotions.
"You wake up, you know, you go to bed thinking, you know this is everything's fine, and then you wake up and your life as you know it is completely over, and a new life begins," West said. RELATED: Brian Higgins reflects on the safety standards the Flight 3407 families fought for West, who lost her husband Ernie in the 3407 crash, understands the difficult journey these families are now beginning. "I know exactly how they feel and what they're going through right now and the next year is gonna, you know, it's gonna be hell the next years, you know, and but you will get through it ," West explained.
West, detailing what the coming days may look like for the families affected. "They set up the rooms to, you know, at the airport for the people who are picking up their loved ones. And we, they did that at a hotel for us, and we would go and get updates from the NTSB every day.
So I just could see it all happening again," she said. And for the families of those 67 passengers, West's message: "Time does heal. You know, you're never going to forget, but you learn how to function in your new life.
And I want them to know that it will get better. It does take time, and you'll never forget, but you will laugh again, you'll smile again, you'll go on, and you'll do everything in your power to make sure that their life meant something," The families of the passengers aboard flight 3407, sharing this message to their website earlier today: "We are devastated to learn of the tragic mid-air collision that occurred last night between a military helicopter and American Airlines flight 5342 operated by regional carrier PSA Airline. Our hearts break for the families who are now experiencing the same unimaginable grief and loss that we have suffered since the crash of Flight 3407.
"No words can ease the pain of such a sudden and heartbreaking tragedy. We extend our deepest condolences to the victims, their loved ones, and all those affected. Our thoughts and prayers are with them, as well as the first responders working in the aftermath of this terrible event.
"As we have learned firsthand, it is crucial to allow the NTSB to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of this tragedy. We hope their work will provide answers and help prevent future accidents.".
