Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

'Miraculous' Crash Survivor Doing Well

Teen has no serious injuries after Panama plane accident

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 26, 2007 5:23 PM CST

(Newser) – The sole survivor of a plane crash that killed a California businessman and his daughter in Panama is conscious and talking, CNN reports. Francesca Lewis, 13, who survived not only the crash but two days of frigid temperatures before being rescued, has a fractured arm but no life-threatening injuries. "So far things seem good—kind of miraculous," said her mom.

Rescuers found a disoriented Francesca underneath a wing of the plane and carried her over mountainous terrain on a stretcher for three hours. "The fact that she so far doesn't seem to have any major damage seems incredible," said mom Valerie. The single-engine plane crashed Sunday in bad weather, killing hedge fund owner Michael Klien, his daugter Talia, and pilot Edwin Lasso.

The parents of plane crash survivor Francesca Lewis, Valerie and  Kirk Lewis, wait for news in the town of Boquete west of Panama City, Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2007.  (AP Photo/Arnulfo Franco)
The parents of plane crash survivor Francesca Lewis, Valerie and Kirk Lewis, wait for news in the town of Boquete west of Panama City, Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2007. (AP Photo/Arnulfo Franco)   (Associated Press)
Francesca Lewis is carried on a stretcher into an ambulance after being rescued in the town of David, west of Panama City, Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2007. (AP Photo/Arnulfo Franco)
Francesca Lewis is carried on a stretcher into an ambulance after being rescued in the town of David, west of Panama City, Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2007. (AP Photo/Arnulfo Franco)   (Associated Press)
Francesca Lewis is carried on a stretcher  after being rescued from the jungle in the town of David, west of Panama City, Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2007. (AP Photo/Arnulfo Franco)
Francesca Lewis is carried on a stretcher after being rescued from the jungle in the town of David, west of Panama City, Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2007. (AP Photo/Arnulfo Franco)   (Associated Press)
This undated photo provided by Kim Klein shows Michael Klein, left, 37, and his daughter Talia. Both were killed in the Panama plane crash. (AP Photo)
This undated photo provided by Kim Klein shows Michael Klein, left, 37, and his daughter Talia. Both were killed in the Panama plane crash. (AP Photo)   (Associated Press)
Kim Klein, in black jacket, ex wife of Michael Klein, embraces an unidentified person in the town of Boquete, west of Panama City, Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2007. (AP Photo/Arnulfo Franco)
Kim Klein, in black jacket, ex wife of Michael Klein, embraces an unidentified person in the town of Boquete, west of Panama City, Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2007. (AP Photo/Arnulfo Franco)   (Associated Press)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Athletes Who Died Too Young

Thirteen Bodies, Plane Wreckage Found Near Tanzania

17 Die as Plane Crashes Into Montana Cemetery

Carrier, Plane Had Clean Safety Record

Dead Family's Dad: 'Pray for Fighter Pilot'


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne