Amazing video shows Alan Ruschel, one of only six people to survive Chapecoense plane crash horror, walking and talking as he makes ‘astronomical’ recovery
A SURVIVOR of the plane crash which claimed 76 lives and wiped out most of the Chapecoense football team is making an "astronomical recovery".
Alan Ruschel, one of the six survivors of the crash in Colombia, appeared in a video today walking and giving thanks to family and fans for the prayers that has helped his recovery.
The Chapecoense left-back has left intensive care at the San Vicente Foundation Hospital in Rionegro and is hoping to be back in Brazil soon.
In the video released by the hospital, Ruschel is seen being supported by the Chapecoense football team doctor, Marcos Sonagli, as he walks into a room in his hospital gown.
He was part of one of the deadliest plane crashes this year.
Giving a thumb up, the player who has a visible scar on his forehead from the crash and bandages on his nose and right arm, is shaky on his feet but appears alert.
Sitting down slowly into a chair with the doctor standing beside him, Ruschel said: “Hello everyone in Brazil and the whole world. You’ve been watching my recuperation.
"This is Alan Ruschel speaking. I would like to tell you that I am recovering really well and that soon, I will be back in Brazil to continue my recovery there too.
“Thank you for the strength you have given me through your prayers, for the warmth and kindness I have received. I just wanted to thank everyone. Thank you!” he said.
At an earlier press conference the medical director of the hospital, Dr. Ferney Rodriguez, revealed Ruschel is already undergoing physiotherapy.
In a Facebook post, Amanda Rushcel, sister of the player said the family were amazed by his recovery.
She wrote: "Alan is out of the ICU, walking alone, taking a shower, talking and eating alone.
"He is making an astronomical recovery. It is amazing. We are all very happy with everything that God is doing in our lives.
“Thank you for the prayers and affection that you have given us. We are waiting for a date for his return to Brazil.”
Amanda also asked for prayers to be said for the other athletes at the hospital, goalkeeper Jackson Follmann and defender Neto, who still need intensive care.
Follmann had part of his right leg amputated, below the knee. On Wednesday, the athlete was in surgery again due to an infection in the injury. Doctors said there is a possibility they will have to cut away more of his leg.
The player reacted well when he learned he had lost part of one of his legs. He is reported to have said he ‘prefers life to his leg’.
Defender Neto continues fighting for his life. But the good news is that his condition has not deteriorated and he spent the night in a stable condition.
Another Brazilian who is also recovering at the hospital is radio broadcaster Rafael Henzel. He is being treated for pneumonia and had surgery on a fracture in his right foot today.
The other survivors of the tragedy are the aircraft technician Erwin Tumiri and flight attendant Ximena Suarez.
The plane carrying the Chapecoense delegation, journalists and aircrew crashed just outside Medellin, Colombian, on Tuesday, November 29, killing 76.
Today the head of the airline involved in the doomed flight, has been arrested, authorities said.
Gustavo Vargas, CEO of La Mia, has been detained as part of an investigation into the crash.
And a Bolivian airport official Celia Castedo, who claimed she warned the pilot of the aircraft’s fuel problem before departure, is now seeking asylum in Brazil after claiming she suffered threats and abuse.
The sister of Chapecoense goalkeeper Danilo who died in the tragic Colombia plane disaster has paid tribute to her brother by getting a tattoo on her back.
Today a Pakistan Airlines flight with more than 40 people on board has crashed in the north of the country – and there is little chance of any survivors, it has been reported.
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