Monday, January 23, 2017

CHAPECOENSE AIR CRASH SURVIVOR, JACKSON FOLLMANN REVEALS HOW IT ALL HAPPENED.


Chapecoense plane crash survivor Jakson Follmann has recalled the moment the doomed aircraft lost power and began descending to earth.

Follmann was one of only six people to survive November's tragic accident, with the remaining 71 passengers - most of whom employees of Brazilian football club Chapecoense - losing their lives.

The 24-year-old, a product of Gremio's youth academy, is now retired after the injuries he sustained in the crash forced surgeons to amputate his right leg at the knee.

Speaking to Brazilian TV show Fantastico, Follmann described the chilling moment LaMia Flight 2933 began encountering problems.

"I remember when the aeroplane turned itself off, when the lights went out," Follmann said. "I saw that something was wrong. The plane did not actually fall; after turning off, it started to glide slowly.

I don't remember the moment of the crash because I passed out. It happened so quickly.

"I do remember waking up (before the rescue). I opened my eyes. It was very dark and very cold. I was shivering. I shouted, 'Help! I don't want to die!' Some of my friends, who were still alive, also shouted.

I heard the rescuers arrive, saying they were national police."
While the vast majority of his teammates died on November 28, Follmann woke up in a Medellin hospital four days later.

"My mum came in and spoke to me," he said. "It was difficult. That's when I woke up. I cried a lot when I opened my eyes."

Despite having to call time on his football career far earlier than he would have liked, Follmann is grateful to be alive.

"I'm going to get married," Follman responded when asked about his future plans. "I want to get back to a normal life."

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