Five people have survived a terrifying plane crash in the Amazon jungle after spending two days stranded on top of the wrecked aircraft, surrounded by deadly animals including alligators and an anaconda.
The small aircraft, a Cessna 172CP, went missing during a short flight in Bolivia’s Amazonas region. It was discovered 48 hours later by local fishermen near the Itanomas River.
On board were three women, one child, and the 29-year-old pilot, Andres Velarde. After the plane suffered engine failure, Velarde managed to land it in a swampy area close to a lagoon.
With fuel leaking and water all around them, the passengers climbed onto the roof of the crashed plane to avoid being attacked by alligators, some of which came as close as three metres. Velarde believes the leaking fuel may have helped keep the dangerous reptiles away.
“We couldn’t drink water and we couldn’t move because of the alligators,” Velarde said. He added that they also saw an anaconda in the swamp.
The group survived by eating cassava flour brought by one of the passengers. They were finally rescued by a military helicopter after a combined search operation by Bolivia’s Ministry of Defence and Air Force. The EC-145 rescue helicopter was equipped with a crane to lift the victims to safety.
Officials say all five are in “excellent condition.” Ruben Torres, a top health official in Bolivia’s Beni region, praised the cooperation between agencies in saving the victims.
Air taxis are commonly used in this region of Bolivia because many roads are either in poor condition or not paved at all. The incident has drawn attention to the risks of flying in remote jungle areas, but also the bravery and teamwork that led to the rescue.
