Among the panic that filled the air in the moments after the horrific Reno air show accident, the calm of one of the show’s long-time announcers played a huge part in containing the situation that has claimed 11 lives to date, and injured many more.
“As an announcer, it’s my job to be entertaining, educational and to be able to be an extension of emergency services communication,” the announcer said. “We told people if they were injured to stay where they were and tried to get families to take their kids away from there.”
The announcer has been working at the air races in Reno since 1999. He was about 35 feet away from where the crash occurred. The announcers stayed on the scene for almost three hours after the crash happened, until the National Transportation Safety Board took over.
The remaining races of the weekend were canceled, but the announcer, a pilot himself, does not believe that the races should be cancelled in the future.
“This is the fastest motorsport in the world and also the safest. It’s safer than car racing, boat racing, monster trucks. Had this happened at any other spot on the course, we wouldn’t be having this conversation.”
This is the first accident in which spectators died, but the Reno air show is no stranger to fatalities. Twenty pilots have died since 1964. However, this accident will not stop the announcer from returning to the event for years to come, if officials decide to continue it after the investigation concludes.
“This is one of the most professional events I’ve ever done,” he stated. “I’ll be there as long as they’ll have me.”
As an aviation accident attorney, I’m glad this man was able to direct crowds after the accident, possibly averting more tragedy. However, I know that many victims are questioning the safety of this event and the regulations that are in place. Some victims and family members of victims are choosing to pursue the matter legally. If you or someone you love was injured or killed in this event, I advise you speak with a plane accident lawyer to help you during this difficult time. The airplane crash lawyers at Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP are experienced in aviation disaster cases and are here for you to consult at any time. You may be eligible for compensation for the pain and suffering you have endured as a result of this terrible tragedy.