Gatineau, Quebec, Canada – A couple from Gatineau, Quebec, found themselves in a harrowing situation during a road trip through South America when they were violently attacked by armed assailants in Panama last week. Geneviève Plouffe and Martin Audette were inside their converted bus near the Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal when the attackers opened fire and forced their way into the vehicle. The terrifying ordeal left Plouffe fearing for her life, recalling the moment when she never thought she would survive.
The incident occurred late at night while the couple was inside their parked bus watching television with their dog. Strangers posing as police officers began banging on the door, leading to a confrontation with Audette when he refused to let them in. The situation escalated quickly as the men resorted to violence, with Plouffe attempting to seek help but facing obstacles in reaching emergency services.
The assailants physically assaulted Audette, dragging him outside where he endured brutal injuries from the attack. Plouffe was also subjected to threats and violence as the intruders demanded money. The terrifying experience left the couple traumatized, with Plouffe at one point fearing that Audette had been killed during the ordeal. Despite the traumatic event, they managed to survive the attack.
Following the assault, the couple sought assistance from the Canadian Embassy in Panama, only to find limited support available to them. Despite their pleas for help and financial assistance, they were left disappointed by the response they received. The lack of immediate and effective support added further stress to an already traumatic experience for Plouffe and Audette.
As they navigate the aftermath of the attack, the couple now faces the challenge of recovering physically and emotionally while contemplating their journey back home to Canada. Their once-in-a-lifetime adventure across South America, which they had meticulously planned and prepared for, was abruptly cut short by the violent incident in Panama. Plouffe expressed a sense of closure to their travels, emphasizing the importance of their survival above all else.
Despite the horrors they faced, Plouffe remains optimistic about travel but urges others to take necessary precautions before embarking on their own adventures. She emphasizes the significance of being prepared with emergency contacts and safety measures, underscoring the importance of vigilance and awareness while exploring new destinations. For the couple, the ordeal may have marked the end of their journey, but they remain resilient in the face of adversity, cherishing their survival as the most valuable outcome of a traumatic experience.