Dozens of families, friends and coworkers anxiously await news of the missing passengers and crew on EgyptAir flight MS804 which reportedly crashed this morning on its way back from Paris.
According to Greek and French officials, the aeroplane crashed this morning near the Greek island of Karpathos. However, Egypt’s Civil Aviation Ministry denied any confirmation of a plane crash and referred to it as “disappeared” instead until remnants of the aeroplane are found.
Staying in a small room at one of the hotels in Cairo airport, the families were still waiting in denial, clinging to the hope that the aircraft is just missing.
Following a press conference held by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the families were hoping for confirmed reports on the aeroplane’s status. They denounced the official response, screaming and lamenting that they wish to know the status of their relatives.
“Everything is lying, the internet, the TV, no one wants to tell us the truth. Why won’t they tell us that they died,” said a woman who was waiting alongside the families.
Ambulances were all over the place providing medical assistance and relief for the families. EgyptAir crisis managers were also present to support the families.
Meanwhile, the EgyptAir staff have banned all reporters and media personnel from entering the area.
Pilots who were waiting alongside the coworkers believe the plane crash was triggered by a technical failure rather than a case of hijacking, as the pilots are well-trained to send alerts. “No reports or alerts were sent regarding turbulence on the flight. It happened all of a sudden,” a pilot said, preferring to remain anonymous.
