Seeking comfort after Elmina air tragedy
Published on: Sunday, August 27, 2023
By: Dr T Selva
ELEVEN days have passed since the Beechcraft Premier 1 aircraft tragically crashed on the Elmina Highway after it flew past me, resulting in the loss of ten lives.
As time unfolds, I’m steadily working towards healing from the emotional wounds caused by the tragic incident on August 17th. This is particularly heart-breaking because I had spotted the aircraft 15 minutes before its ill-fated descent.
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While driving towards Desa Park City in Kuala Lumpur at about 2.30pm, I had the chance to witness the aircraft flying at a low altitude. Its sleek design caught my attention as it smoothly passed by.
Two days before the tragic occurrence, I was aboard a Malaysia Airlines flight from Sydney to Kuala Lumpur.
Flight MH122 had turned back to Sydney due to a false bomb threat by an aggressive passenger who had alarmed the passengers with his shouting on August 14h.
The aftermath of this event led to a chaotic check-in process, compounded by 30 flight cancellations, passenger overflow onto my flight and an overwhelming media presence at Sydney airport.
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These vivid scenes remain etched in my memory, leaving me unsettled as a frequent flyer, particularly when reflecting upon the Elmina air crash.
Although I don’t have a personal relationship with individuals who tragically lost their lives, I strongly empathise with their sudden departure.
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Last weekend, I visited the Elmina crash site to offer my heartfelt prayers, hoping to heal their souls.
There is a belief that the souls of those who have passed away in unfortunate circumstances linger on Earth for 12 years or more.
The policemen at the guarded location greeted me. They allowed me to extend my prayers and lay down a bouquet, symbolically aiding the departed souls in finding their path to the afterlife.
This marks my second instance of carrying out such a meaningful gesture at the site of an aviation tragedy.
On September 11, 2011, when terrorists hijacked two commercial aeroplanes and intentionally crashed them into the World Trade Center, causing the terrible loss of 2,977 lives, I travelled to New York six months later and undertook a similar ritual.
My motivation stemmed from an underlying unease that needed to be addressed.
I engaged in conversations with numerous residents within the Elmina township, and they, too, expressed sentiments of nervousness and concern due to the accident unfolding in such proximity to their homes.
Several residents had witnessed the aircraft before its sharp descent near Elmina’s Central Park and are finding ways to comfort themselves from the air mishap.
A bouquet placed by the columnist at the Elmina crash site symbolically aiding the departed souls in finding their path to the afterlife.
In light of this, how can we effectively manage the aftermath of distressing events, such as accidents, acts of violence, or disasters, which can significantly impact our emotional well-being?
I am grateful to my family and friends with whom I openly discussed my recent near aviation experiences. I appreciate the solace, understanding and support they provided during those conversations.
Trauma often leaves individuals feeling overwhelmed, helpless, and unable to cope with the event’s aftershock.
Healing from an ordeal takes time and one needs to develop patience with oneself and acknowledge that there will be psychological and emotional ups and downs along the way.
I’ve strengthened my engagement with mindfulness practices such as deep breathing, meditation and prayer.
These techniques help anchor me in the present moment and lessen anxiety.
Crafting the content on the incident for this week’s column has also provided me with a means to articulate my emotions, aiding in processing my feelings and granting a sense of release.
For those in a similar situation, I urge you to use artistic mediums like writing, drawing, or music to convey your emotions.
This process can facilitate understanding your feelings and lead to liberation.
Seeking companionship with those who empathise can also provide relief and validation.
I recognise that conquering trauma is a multi-faceted journey that differs for each individual.
The path to healing isn’t linear, and setbacks are a natural part of the process.
For those struggling to cope with their trauma, it’s important to know that seeking professional help when needed is acceptable.
Award-winning writer Dr T. Selva is the author of the bestseller book Vasthu Sastra Guide and Secrets of Happy Living. To get a copy, contact 019-2728464. He can be reached at [email protected] or Facebook: Vasthu Sastra
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