Asiana crash: Facebook’s Sheryl Sandberg was to have been on jet

SAN FRANCISCO -- Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook’s chief operating officer, had been scheduled to be on the Asiana Airlines plane that crashed at San Francisco International Airport but switched flights at the last moment.

Sandberg said on her Facebook page that she was originally scheduled to fly on Asiana Airlines from Seoul to San Francisco, but decided to change flights to United Airlines so she could use frequent-flier miles for the tickets for her family, who were accompanying her.

“Taking a minute to be thankful,” Sandberg wrote. “Our flight was scheduled to come in at the same time, but we were early and landed about 20 minutes before the crash.”

“Thank you to everyone who is reaching out -- and sorry if we worried anyone,” Sandberg said.

One person was killed aboard the Asiana Airlines Boeing 777 that crashed upon landing Saturday at San Francisco International Airport, the South Korean deputy consul general in San Francisco told The Times. About 20 to 30 people on the flight were injured, the official said.

Many passengers were taken to hospitals.

Tech executive David Eun, who was on the plane, sent out a message on Twitter saying: “Most people are totally calm and trying to let the fire and rescue do their jobs.... Posted updates to let everyone know that majority of passengers seem OK.”

A photo taken by a passenger after evacuating the plane shows people on the runway and smoke coming from the aircraft. Other photos show the tail of the plane broken off.

In a brief phone interview, a passenger who didn’t want to give his name told The Times that most passengers were unharmed.

“I just want their families to know,” he said. “Most of the people seem OK, and we’re just letting the paramedics do their job.”

San Francisco Fire Department officials told KTVU-TV that injured passengers were taken to the hospital and that there was no immediate word on fatalities. But they stressed the investigation was continuing.

Firefighters put out the fire on the plane, which was destroyed by the crash and subsequent blaze. The airport has been closed until further notice.
ALSO:

Investigators probe cause of San Francisco plane crash

At least 48 injured in crash landing of jet in San Francisco

Boeing 777 crash: Passengers say most seem unhurt; no official word yetTwitter: @ronlin | Facebook | Google+

[email protected]

Reston reported from San Francisco, Lin and Ryan from Los Angeles.