The team were returning from a European Cup match in Belgrade, Yogoslavia, against Red Star Belgrade. Also on the plane were the back-room staff, journalists, and some members of the public.
The plane had to stop in Munich to refuel. It had been snowing in Munich and the plane had twice failed to get off the ground, the third take-off attempt ended in disaster. The plane was unable to get airbourne, skid off the runway and ploughed through a fence. The plane then shot across a road and collided with a house.
20 people died instantly, Duncan Edwards died 15 days later, co pilot Captain Kenneth Rayment died three weeks later and Frank Swift died on the way to hospital.
Here is a list of all 23 fatalities:
Man United players and staff-
Geoff Bent
Roger Byrne
Eddie Colman
Duncan Edwards (survived the crash, but passed away15 days later)
Mark Jones
David Pegg
Tommy Taylor
Liam Whelan
Walter Crickmer- club secretary
Tom Curry- trainer
Bert Whalley- chief coach
Crew-
Captain Kenneth Rayment- co-pilot (survived the crash but passed away three weeks later)
Tom Cable- cabin steward
Journalists-
Alf Clarke from the Manchester Evening Chronicle
Donny Davies from the Manchester Guardian
George Follows from the Daily Herald
Tom Jackson from the Manchester Evening News
Archie Ledbrooke from the Daily Mirror
Henry Rose from the Daily Express
Frank Swift from the News of the World and former Man City and England footballer
Eric Thompson from the Daily Mail
Other Passengers-
Bela Miklos, travel agent
Willie Satinoff, supporter, racecourse owner and close friend of Matt Busby
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A broken heart a broken dream
A broken plane a broken team
No words were said a silent vow
We loved you then we love you now
The red flag will always fly
For Man United will never die
Never to be forgotten - 6th February 1958
