MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay – The infamous 1972 Andes plane crash that inspired the Netflix adventure drama “Society of the Snow” involved the tragic fate of the Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571, which was carrying a rugby team from Montevideo, Uruguay to Santiago, Chile. The crash resulted in the deaths of 29 out of the 45 passengers, with the survivors facing harrowing ordeals over the 72 days before they were rescued.
The experiences of the 16 survivors, who had to endure freezing temperatures, injuries, and even an avalanche, were detailed in Pablo Vierci’s book “Society of the Snow,” which served as the basis for the film. Among these survivors, Dr. Roberto Canessa shared his memories of the crash with NBC News reporter Tom Llamas in November 2023, recounting the agonizing struggle for survival.
Canessa, who was just 19 at the time of the crash, reflected on the difficult experience of watching “Society of the Snow,” acknowledging Netflix’s accurate portrayal of the grim details and their commitment to authentically filming at the actual crash site, enduring the same harsh conditions as the survivors did.
Following their rescue on Dec. 22, 1972, the survivors went on to make significant contributions to various fields, such as medicine, architecture, law, and sports. Many of them became motivational speakers and authors, sharing their inspiring stories and experiences with the world.
The survivors, now in their later years, still meet annually on the anniversary of their rescue to commemorate the events that forever shaped their lives. Their incredible resilience and the enduring impact of their ordeal stand as a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.
In conclusion, the survivors of the 1972 Andes plane crash have shown remarkable resilience and determination in the aftermath of the tragedy, using their experiences to inspire others and make meaningful contributions to various fields. The timeless significance of their story serves as a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit.