PORTO ALEGRE, Brazil (Reuters) — One of the survivors of the Chapecoense plane crash returned to the soccer pitch for the first time since the deadly accident to give the ceremonial opening kick at a charity match in Porto Alegre on Wednesday (December 21).
Alan Ruschel stepped onto the field to ruckus applause as he waved to the cheering crowds in the stands.
Ruschel, 27, was one of only six survivors on the plane, which crashed into the mountains near Medellin.
The disaster killed 71 people, including almost all of Ruschel’s teammates as well as Chapecoense’s coaches, directors and staff in addition to journalists covering the team who were also onboard the doomed flight.
Argentine soccer player Andres Nicolas D’Alessandro invited Ruschel to take part in the charity match which he runs and which benefits children in need.
Miraculously, Ruschel hopes to return to soccer within six months.
The pilot of the Bolivian-run LAMIA plane has been accused of taking off without enough fuel for the flight.
Bolivian authorities suspended the airline’s operating license and replaced the management of its aviation authority to ensure a transparent investigation.
