Breaking: Survivor rescued after fatal Costa Rica plane crash kills five. 16-hour overnight mountain rescue operation succeeds in reaching crash victim.
A Cessna aircraft crash on Pico Blanco in the Escazu Mountains of Costa Rica has claimed five lives, with a single survivor rescued after a grueling 16-hour operation. The AeroCaribe flight, which went down yesterday after losing contact with air traffic control, was discovered by search teams who reached the wreckage late last night.
The lone survivor, identified as Paola de Los Ángeles Amador, 31, a tour guide and mother of two, was successfully transported to San Juan de Dios Hospital early this morning. She was found conscious but in critical condition, approximately 50 meters from the wreckage.
- Mario Alberto Miranda, pilot
- Ruth Pamela Mora, co-pilot
- Jean Franco Segura
- Gabriela Calleja
- Enrique Castillo
Rescue teams battled difficult terrain, rain, and poor visibility throughout the night to reach and extract the survivor. The crash site, located in dense forest on Pico Blanco, was only accessible on foot after a point, requiring rescue teams to hike through forested areas.
AeroCaribe, which has operated charter flights in Costa Rica for 11 years, released a statement expressing “deep sorrow” over the tragedy: “Their departure leaves a void for those of us who were fortunate to know them. During this time of deep sadness and shock, we stand with the grieving families and offer them our unconditional support.”
The aircraft had departed from Barra del Tortuguero headed for Pavas, but was diverted to Juan Santamaría International Airport due to poor weather conditions before losing contact around 12:30 PM Monday.
