Mailén Díaz Almaguer, the sole survivor of the harrowing plane crash that occurred seven years ago in Havana, courageously relived her emotional encounter with an airplane this past Friday. For the first time since that tragic day, she confronted her fears and boarded a flight, marking a significant milestone in her journey toward healing.
In a poignant video, Almaguer shared moments from the day she overcame her apprehension and approached an aircraft, illustrating her triumph over trauma. With juxtaposed images from the accident day and her recent flight, she showcased her resilience and fulfilled her aspiration to fly again.
This pivotal encounter with an airplane took place during a trip outside of Cuba in 2021, after she had successfully managed her anxiety and trepidation. Since the crash of flight DMJ-972, Mailén has undergone numerous surgeries and faced an extensive rehabilitation process.
Despite making notable progress in her mobility, Mailén continues to deal with physical limitations, as reported by her family and medical professionals. The DMJ-972 flight, operated by the Mexican airline Global Air on behalf of Cubana de Aviación, crashed in 2018 shortly after taking off from Havana en route to Holguín. An investigation into the accident uncovered significant operational and technical deficiencies, leading to the termination of the contract between Cuba and the foreign company.
The disaster claimed the lives of 112 individuals, leaving Mailén as the only survivor. Over the past six years, she has emerged as a symbol of resilience, inspiring countless Cubans with her indomitable spirit and strength. After the crash, which tragically took her first husband and resulted in the loss of her leg and her ability to walk, Mailén faced a challenging recovery process both physically and mentally.
Originally from Holguín, Mailén now resides in Havana, having purchased a home with the compensation she received. She lives in the Siboney neighborhood in the Playa municipality, conveniently close to the clinic where she receives care. Her story has deeply touched Cuban society, sparking discussions on aviation safety in the country and the importance of long-term medical support for disaster victims.
Understanding Mailén Díaz Almaguer's Journey and Aviation Safety in Cuba
What significant milestone did Mailén Díaz Almaguer achieve recently?
Mailén Díaz Almaguer recently overcame her fear of flying and boarded a plane for the first time since the tragic accident in Havana seven years ago, marking a crucial step in her healing process.
What were the findings of the investigation into the DMJ-972 flight accident?
The investigation revealed serious operational and technical irregularities, which resulted in the cancellation of the contract between Cuba and the foreign company operating the flight.
How has Mailén's story impacted Cuban society?
Mailén Díaz Almaguer's journey has profoundly moved Cuban society, highlighting discussions on aviation safety and the necessity for long-term medical care for victims of tragedies.