After a harrowing plane crash in the Colombian jungle that claimed the lives of the adults on board, four children miraculously survived for over a month before being rescued. The siblings, aged 13, 11, 4, and just 11 months old, endured the ordeal by relying on cassava flour, also known as fariña, salvaged from the wreckage, and by foraging for jungle fruits and seeds. Their indigenous Huitoto heritage likely played a crucial role in their survival, equipping them with the knowledge to navigate the challenging terrain and identify edible plants.

The children's resilience and the fortunate timing of the crash, coinciding with the late spring harvest in the jungle, contributed to their survival. Following their rescue, the children were transported to a hospital in Bogota, where they are receiving medical care and are expected to stay for at least two weeks to recover. While dehydrated and unable to consume solid food initially, their overall condition was deemed acceptable by Defense Minister Iván Velásquez.

The children's story of survival has captivated the nation. President Petro, who visited them in the hospital, hailed them as "children of the jungle" and "children of Colombia," emphasizing their remarkable resilience. The eldest sibling's knowledge of jungle survival proved invaluable in leading her younger brothers and sister through the ordeal. Clues left behind, such as footprints, diapers, a baby bottle, and partially eaten fruit, gave rescuers hope that the children were alive. After an extensive search involving soldiers, indigenous volunteers, and search dogs, the children were finally located about three miles from the crash site.

The children's aunt reported that they were suffering from dehydration and mosquito bites but were otherwise in stable condition. The military also searched for a rescue dog that had reportedly spent time with the children but went missing. The children's story has been lauded as an "example of survival" by President Petro, who believes their remarkable journey will be remembered throughout history.