Young Crash Survivor Returns to Netherlands

The 9-year-old Dutch boy who miraculously survived a plane crash in Libya returned to the Netherlands aboard an airborne ambulance today and was whisked away to a hospital in his hometown, where he must begin to rebuild his life without his parents or brother. Ruben van Assouw, the sole survivor, returned with an aunt and uncle.

The boy underwent more than four hours of surgery to repair multiple fractures to his legs Wednesday, but doctors say he has been recovering well. A statement by close relatives said the extended family will care for Ruben, and asked the media not to contact them while they are grieving. (More Ruben van Assouw stories.)