Hero Photo | TrekEarth

Photographer’s Note

He is hero, he is one of three that didn't lose their cool in a unbelievable situation… after their plane crashed on Phuket international airport, with an inferno of fire and smoke inside the plane cabin they get up and tried to open the plane right door, just above the right wing… the right door was jammed and he, in a decision that saved dozens went to the other opposite door, and with act of determination and spirit beyond imagination manage to open the stubborn door.
He saved his life and his wife; he saved more than twenty passengers who came through that door, more than half of the survivors owe their lives to him.
He did it all with a broken spine.

His name is Vladimir Freyilkman

Here you can see him watching the outside world through a special air ambulance rented by the Israeli Red Cross (MDA- Magen David Adom in Israel)… you can see the anxiety and fear in his eyes – That picture taken yesterday, only two days after he crashed with another airplane.

I was the one who medical escort him and his wife in their long journey back home to Israel, I'm glad I met him.

pebbles, bluebubble, Bjostad, wautersw, TheG1, danielswalsh, ktanska, crisnique, Vasylis, catalina, Davids, cyrrhus, ndb1958, hammodie, berseph, thaprem has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

wautersw (3603) 2007-09-19 11:28

Hi Assi,

a very interesting "actual" story, which gives us a "news" picture. TFS

Wolf

Jeppo (12106) 2007-09-19 11:46

YEs, he is actually an hero.
And the note is extremly interesting.
you have to be proud of your job and of your landsman.

atlantida (2323) 2007-09-19 12:22

Wow, amazing story, amazing photo, beside the story, the pov is very well chosen, I wasnt aware at first that this man is hospitalized. I salute u and I'm glad u shared this photo with us.
Gordana

danielswalsh (13330) 2007-09-19 16:59

Nice photo Assi;

Excellent composition, intriguing subject which a great note (very journalistic!). An amazing man to have been so brave in the face of adversity- a real hero.

Our thoughts are with those who lost their lives and the family and friends they leave behind.

Best Regards,
- Dan

ktanska (16695) 2007-09-19 22:30

Hi Assi,
Journalistic pictures are few and far between on this forum. Very interesting to see. Good note. And well framed image with clear perspective. Also giving room for the hero without giving a pushy impression.
Kari

crisnique (857) 2007-09-19 23:00

Dear Assi,
That's a great report image! Very useful notes.
Well done!
Cristian

Vasylis (1408) 2007-09-20 4:08

Assi my friend,
I am impressed by his story, and he is a hero but so are u.
Great job for you and your team!
My best regards.
Vasy

Davids (1034) 2007-09-21 1:53

Thanks for this post Assi.

I wish him all the best in recovering, I hope he and his family will have a long life together, in peace and good health.

I hope that the people who have lost their loved ones will have good memories and that this will help them to overcome their grief. My thoughts are also with them.

Good luck to you and your team.

hammodie (200) 2007-09-22 13:50 [Comment]

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ndb1958 (9249) 2007-09-22 15:15

Hi Assi, an impressing image of the hero after his bad experience. Great note! Best wishes to you and to the protagonist. Nino

berseph (1758) 2007-09-24 10:15

This is an incredible story you captured here.
Thank you for sharing this hero.
Technically the photo is excellent, but the story behind it holds much more.

mondomistico (64) 2007-09-26 7:07

Hi!

respect to vladimir.

i´m wondering, that the TE-managers allowed this kind of photo...

but nevertheless, i think, this guy can be proud of himself.