Colombia plane crash: Alan Ruschel’s life was saved by ten-year-old boy who was first on the scene of Chapecoense disaster and helped save stricken footballer
Locals tell of how young boy was first on the scene of horror crash and helped locate Ruschel - who was later saved
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A 10-YEAR-OLD boy has been hailed as a hero after helping save Alan Ruschel from the wreckage of flight LMI-2933.
The Medellin-bound plane came down just 30km south of the Colombian city yesterday, resulting in the deaths of 71 people and the majority of Brazilian football team Chapecoense.
But Ruschel, 27, was a survivor of the tragedy after being pulled from the wreck thanks to the vigilance of a local child.
According to reports by , the young boy was first on the scene when the jet crashed on it's way to the Copa Sudamericana final.
He identified where the wounded were and told rescuers where they could be found in the difficult conditions.
Sergio Marulanda, a local resident who rushed with many others to the area, revealed to local media how the youngster helped direct the evacuation of Ruschel from the crash site.
He explained: "When we parked, a child came and told us where the wounded were located.
"A policeman told me: 'You're the first to arrive, put the child in the truck and go to collect the wounded."
Marulanda drove his 4x4 over the difficult terrain in terrible weather to help with the rescue attempt and has been praised for his actions which has at least resulted in six people being saved.
The identity of the young hero hasn't been revealed.
Chapecoense, founded in 1973, were preparing for the biggest match in their short history, having defied the odds to reach the Copa Sudamericana final.
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Hundreds of the club's fans have gathered at the Chapeco stadium to mourn the loss of their heroes.
Brazilian clubs have offered to loan the club players, while final opponents Atletico Nacional have asked South American governing body Conmebol to award the club the trophy.