Costa Rica News – Eruptions of the Turrialba volcano have devoured the remains of a Chilean aircraft that fell there in 1964. In that accident, 54 years ago, five people lost their lives.
The sound of the crash was mistaken as a volcanic eruption but then the locals became the first responders.
Christmas had just passed at the time of the crash and it was found that the victims were carrying toys and gifts for their families on the flight that was scheduled to go from Mexico to Guatemala then on to Panama and Chile.
Since then, the remains of the plane were seen against the mountain and some parts of the Curtiss C-46, such as the fuel tanks, were taken away by neighbors and used to feed cows. The area is closed to visitors due to its close proximity to the volcano but scientists occasionally take pictures of the crash site as they pass by.
The once vibrant colors of the plane have been eroded by acid rain and the eruptions of the last decade. They now blend in to the grayish background. The area has come to look like a coal pit. After the eruptions, the flora and fauna was never the same. The corrosion seen there, 3,000 meters above sea level, is up to five times greater than what is seen in coastal towns.
