Four Missing Children Found Alive After 40 Days in the Amazon Jungle

BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) – Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced Friday that four children who had been missing since a small plane crash 40 days ago have been found alive in the Amazon jungle.

The crash occurred in the early hours of May 1, when the Cessna single-engine propeller plane with six passengers and a pilot declared an emergency due to an engine failure. The wreckage and the bodies of three adults, including the pilot and the children’s mother, were found soon after.

The discovery of footprints on May 30 of a small foot rekindled the hope of finding the children alive, and after an intense search, the four children were found in good health. They were alone when searchers found them and are now receiving medical attention.

Petro said the children were an “example of survival” and predicted their saga “will remain in history.” He also noted that the discovery of the children was a bright spot in an otherwise difficult time for the country, as he had just returned from Cuba where he signed a cease-fire agreement with representatives of the National Liberation Army rebel group.

The identities of the children have not been released, but their story of survival has captivated the nation and has been a source of hope and inspiration for many.