On December 24, 1971, Lansa Flight 508 was struck by lightning and disintegrated in mid-air over the Amazon rainforest of Peru. The crash killed all 92 passengers and crew members, except for one: 17-year-old Juliane Koepcke.

The Flight and the Crash

Juliane Koepcke was traveling with her mother, Maria, on a Christmas Eve trip to visit her father in Lima. The plane was flying through a severe thunderstorm when it was hit by lightning, causing the plane to break apart in mid-air.

Juliane fell 2 miles to the ground, still strapped to her seat. She landed in the dense Amazon rainforest, where she was the only survivor of the crash.

Surviving the Rainforest

Juliane suffered a broken collarbone, a deep gash on her arm, and a concussion from the fall. She managed to free herself from the wreckage and began searching for help.

Juliane spent the next 10 days wandering through the dense rainforest, surviving on rainwater and whatever food she could find. She suffered from dehydration, hunger, and insect bites, but she kept moving.

Rescue and Recovery

On the tenth day, Juliane was found by a group of lumber workers who were searching for survivors. They carried her to safety and called for help.

Juliane was taken to a hospital in Pucallpa, where she received treatment for her injuries. She later learned that her mother had not survived the crash.

The Aftermath

Juliane Koepcke's survival story quickly became international news. She became known as the "miracle girl" and her story inspired many people around the world.

Juliane went on to become a zoologist, dedicating her life to studying the rainforest and its wildlife. She also wrote a book about her survival experience, titled "When I Fell From the Sky."

Conclusion

Juliane Koepcke's survival story is a testament to the human spirit and the will to survive. Her strength and determination in the face of unimaginable adversity is an inspiration to us all.

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