Maarten de Jonge a 29-year-old Dutch cyclist was scheduled to be on both Flight MH370, which was lost over the Indian Ocean in March, as well as flight MH17, which was likely shot down over eastern Ukraine last week. In March, de Jonge was supposed to fly from Kuala Lumpur to Taiwan to compete in a race in Taiwan. Last week, de Jonge was scheduled to return to Asia from a race in the Netherlands. Both times, he changed his reservation for matters of convenience, whether that was price or flight length. The two flights were totally lost and suffered full fatalities of passengers and crew members.
As de Jonge is quick to point out, this isn't a feel-good story. Between the two flights, approximately 537 people who had the misfortune to board the flights are dead.
"What has happened is terrible, so many victims, that's a horrible thing," he wrote on his website. "I have my story done and I would like to leave it ... my story is ultimately nothing compared to the misery in which so many people are paid." narrowily
"Attention should be paid to the victims and survivors. Wishing everyone affected by this disaster a lot of strength," he added.
"I could have taken that one just as easily," de Jonge told RTV Oost. "It's inconceivable. I am very sorry for the passengers and their families, yet I am very pleased I'm unharmed."
At least 189 Dutch citizens perished on Flight MH17.
De Jonge is a member of Malaysia's Terengganu Cycling Team and came in 35th place at the Netherlands' National Championship Road Race in June. He told Dutch television that he plans on flying to Malaysia later this year and will not adjust his plans with respect to the two disasters: "You should try not to worry too much because then you won't get anywhere."
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