The Netflix series 'Secret of Flight 601' immerses us in a story that seems taken from a suspense novel, but which, surprisingly, is based on real events. The plot revolves around a daring air hijacking that involves soccer players, a million-dollar sum and an unexpected outcome.
This event not only became the longest kidnapping in the history of the continent, but also left an indelible mark on Colombia. The production, made up of six episodes, has a renowned cast, which includes Mónica Lopera, Christian Tappan, Enrique Carriazo and Ángela Cano, who give life to the characters of this intriguing story.
When did the 'hijacking of flight 601' take place in real life?
The beginning of this amazing story dates back to May 30, 1973, when flight 601 of the SAM company (Sociedad Aeronáutica de Medellín) took off from Bogotá towards Medellín, with stops in Cali and Pereira.
It was on one of these stops where two passengers altered the course of events. Dressed in hoods, they announced the hijacking of the plane and unleashed the most extensive aerial hijacking in Latin America, lasting 60 hours, 24,000 kilometers traveled, 12 landings and takeoffs.
In 1973, Colombia was hit by this terrifying event. Photo: Diario del Caribe.
Who were the real kidnappers and what motivated them?
Under the command of Captain Jorge Lucena, the plane was diverted to Aruba by orders of the hijackers, who initially identified themselves as members of the ELN (National Liberation Army of Colombia).
They demanded the release of imprisoned colleagues and the payment of $200,000. However, given the impossibility of meeting their demands, the situation became more complex.
How did the passengers escape from the kidnappers?
Despite the tension, the kidnappers allowed the release of some passengers, which included a group of cyclists. Others managed to escape during one of the plane's stops. Finally, with 50,000 euros obtained, the captors allowed the flight to arrive in Buenos Aires on June 2, 1973, where the police were already waiting for them.
The released passengers had an important sports competition and, for that reason, they were released. Photo: Radio Ambulante.
What was the true identity of the kidnappers?
The surprise came when it was revealed that the supposed political activists were, in reality, two Paraguayan soccer players: Óscar Eusebio Borja and Francisco Solano López. Both were looking for economic benefit and lived in a community of immigrant soccer players in Pereira. While Solano López was extradited to Colombia to serve his sentence, Borja's fate remains a mystery.
When does the series 'The Secret of Flight 601' premiere on Netflix?
'The Secret of Flight 601' premiered this Wednesday, April 10, on Netflix. The production has only six episodes and promises to dethrone the series that lead the streaming giant's top 10. Likewise, it stars Mónica Lopera, Christian Tappan, Enrique Carriazo and Ángela Cano.
#39Secret #Flight #Netflix #true #story #longest #air #hijacking #Latin #America
