Sixty-six years ago, on February 6, 1958, the most tragic day in Manchester United’s history occurred. The clock outside Old Trafford froze at 3:04 p.m., marking the exact time the plane carrying their players met with an accident in Germany.
This incident claimed 23 lives, including eight players from the famous Manchester United ‘Busby Babes’ staff and journalists. Among those who lost their lives was Duncan Edwards, one of his generation’s finest talents. His mother later revealed his heartbreaking final words on his deathbed.
Duncan Edwards’ mother revealed son’s dying words
In 1958, the Manchester United team traveled back to Manchester, England, after a European Cup fixture against Red Star Belgrade, defeating the Serbian club to make it through the semi-final. On that day, the team members, journalists, and fellow passengers boarded the British European Airways plane at Belgrade airport.
The aircraft made a refueling stopover in Munich; however, after two failed attempts to take off, the flight made a desperate third attempt and crashed into heavy snow on the runway at Munich airport. This fatal accident resulted in the deaths of eight players, including 21-year-old Duncan Edwards.
He passed away 15 days after the crash, having been admitted to a hospital in Munich from fatal injuries sustained in the disaster, becoming the eighth player to lose his life. In a 2003 interview, the United Nations legend’s mother, Sarah Anne, revealed the heartbreaking last words her son uttered as he battled for his life in the hospital bed during a visit with her and his father.
“His first words were, ‘Come on, Mum, get me home quick. We’re playing the Wolves on Saturday and I can’t miss that. He fought for his life, you know. He really fought. He was strong but, in the end, his injuries were too much.”, she revealed.
List of names in Munich air disaster
The Munich air disaster tragically claimed the lives of 23 passengers, including eight Manchester United players. Among them were key figures who had played significant roles in the club’s recent successes under the leadership of Sir Matt Busby, earning them the title of ‘Busby Babes.’
The list included Geoff Bent (25), Roger Byrne (28), Eddie Colman (21), Duncan Edwards (21), Mark Jones (24), David Pegg (22), Tommy Taylor (26), and Liam Whelan (22). Along with these players, three club officials also died: secretary Walter Crickmer, trainer Tom Curry, and coach Bert Whalley.
Recently, Sir Bobby Charlton, one of the fortunate last survivors of the disaster, passed away. He was among the 10 survivors, including Bill Foulkes and manager Matt Busby, who played pivotal roles in rebuilding the club from scratch, leading them to a glorious era.
