‘Nothing matters more than just being alive’

Dubai: Shaji Kochikutty, a Dubai-based businessman, said they were grateful to the Almighty — and the Emirates crew — for being alive.

Kochikutty, who was flying in with his wife and three daughters, said: “It was a near disaster. God is great. He saved my family and we are grateful to be alive. What more can we ask for?”

He said his family had been vacationing in their hometown in Kerala and he had flown down just three days ago to bring them back.

He said it was to the credit of the pilots and other airline staff that the passengers were evacuated with utmost care when the plane caught fire as it landed.

“They opened all emergency exits and guided us out. I first sent my three daughters. My wife went next but hurt her knee while jumping out. I bruised my feet as I ran without my shoes. We were promptly given first aid and we are all fine now.”

He said he managed to salvage the family’s passports as he carried them out with him. “I think we have lost all other belongings. They would have been completely burnt. But that’s not important. We can always replenish these things. But a life lost can never be replaced.”