Four children who had gone missing following a plane crash in Colombia’s Amazon forest on May 1 have been discovered alive, according to an announcement by President Gustavo Petro.
Late on Friday night, President Petro took to Twitter to share the news, stating, “A joy for the whole country! The 4 children who were lost 40 days ago in the Colombian jungle appeared alive.”
Accompanying his message was an image showing members of the military and Indigenous community providing care and support to the siblings identified as Lesly Jacobombaire Mucutuy (13), Soleiny Jacobombaire Mucutuy (9), Tien Ranoque Mucutuy (4), and Cristin Ranoque Mucutuy (1).
President Petro, in a separate statement, referred to the day as “magical,” emphasizing, “They were alone, and they themselves achieved an example of total survival which will remain in history. These children are today the children of peace and the children of Colombia.” He expressed his intention to speak with the children on Saturday.
The Cessna 206 light aircraft was en route from Araracuara in Amazonas province to San Jose del Guaviare in Guaviare when it disappeared on May 1. Since the crash, over 100 soldiers accompanied by sniffer dogs have been actively involved in search and rescue operations.
Last month, the wreckage of the aircraft and the bodies of the pilot and two adults were located. Ranoque Mucutuy, one of the deceased adults, was the mother of the four children.
The family belongs to the Huitoto people, an indigenous group residing in southeastern Colombia and northern Peru.
The discovery of the four children alive after enduring 40 days in the jungle is a remarkable testament to their survival skills and resilience. The nation celebrates their safe return, viewing them as symbols of hope and resilience during these challenging times. (Edited)