A Brazilian footballer who survived the plane crash that killed 76 people has revealed the decision which saved his life.
Just weeks after the crash, Chapecoense full back Alan Ruschel said he swapped his seat at the last minute after a teammate urged him to sit beside him.
Ruschel was initially sat near the back of the plane when club director Cadu Gaucho asked him to move during the journey to play in the Copa Sudamericana final last month.
“Cadu Gaucho asked me to sit further forward and let the journalists sit together at the back,” Ruschel informed reporters.
“I didn’t want to but then I saw (Jackson) Follman and he insisted that I sit beside him,” he added.
“Only God can explain why I survived the accident. He grabbed me and gave me a second chance.”
The plane which crashed in the mountains left at least 76 people dead including almost all the Chapecoense team, directors and staff. Ruschel, 27, was one of only six survivors.
READ MORE: 76 dead as plane carrying Brazilian footballers crashes in Colombia
Recalling the day of the crash, he said, “I don’t remember anything about the accident,” adding that, “When they told me what happened it seemed like a dream, a nightmare. Little by little they’ve been telling me what happened and I’m starting to understand.”
“I try not to speak of the accident, I avoid the news, but from the little I’ve seen I think it was greed on the pilot’s part.”
Following reports of the crash, the pilot of the Bolivian-run LAMIA plane was accused of taking off without the adequate amount of fuel. The airline’s operating license has since been suspended and the management of its aviation authority has been replaced to ensure a transparent investigation.
Following his return to Columbia, Ruschel has planned to visit every one of the families of his team members who died before returning to his home town; where he will continue his physiotherapy.
“As a lesson, this tragedy teaches that you have to keep living,” he said. “Take advantage of some things and do good for others.
“When I got here today I had the sensation that I was coming home. I promise to give lots more happiness to this team. With a lot of effort and hard work I am going to be back playing again soon.”
Courtesy: Mirror
