Editor’s note: On Jan. 10, the Canadian government updated the number of Canadians killed in the Jan. 8 Ukraine International Airlines crash in Iran from 63 to 57.
When I’m stumped for an idea, I’ll often ask my family while sitting around the dinner table what I should write for this commentary.
Having a working wife and a 12- and a 17-year-old, the conversation can be quite dynamic — and definitely diverse.
It’s not that there aren’t usually numerous issues on any given day, but to be honest, I am overloaded with Donald Trump and strikes by teachers’ unions.
And if I am, perhaps you are, too.
Sometimes I use the family feedback, sometimes I don’t. Today, I am.
Last night, when I asked the fam what they were thinking about, they brought up the horrific plane crash just outside Tehran, Iran.
A sombre tone swept over the table.
Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 took off from Tehran bound for Kyiv, Ukraine, with connecting flights into Toronto.
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What happened to the Ukraine plane that crashed in Tehran? -
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Ukrainian flight crashes in Iran, killing all 176 people onboard -
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Ukraine working with Iran to identify victims in Tehran plane crash -
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Dozens of Canadians killed in plane crash near Tehran -
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Ukrainian airline involved in Iran crash says plane was one of its best -
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Mourners create makeshift memorial in Ukraine airport for deceased crew in Iran plane crash
At this point, both Iranian and Ukrainian officials say it appears to be a mechanical failure that brought the Boeing 737-800 down.
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However, officials are warning about arriving at any conclusion before all of the facts are in — including information from the black boxes, which are in Iranian hands.
The plane was carrying 176 passengers and crew, 63 of whom were Canadians. A total of 138 passengers were to arrive in Toronto, and there were two McMaster students on board.
However, I was avoiding the issue simply because there’s no story until the investigation is complete, other than one of horrific loss for the poor victims and the pain their families must be enduring while awaiting answers.
There’s nothing that isn’t horribly tragic about this. There’s only great loss.
Perhaps some perspective can be added from experts in the aviation field.
On the show, aviation expert Jock Williams said we must wait for more details on this specific crash, but with more and more planes in the air, accidents are going to happen — even with the most modern technology.
Flying can be merciless, and for obvious reasons. But so can automobiles.
Our condolences to all involved.
Scott Thompson is the host of The Scott Thompson Show on Global News Radio 900 CHML — Hamilton.
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