Hundreds of taxis light up Peru airstrip so critically ill mother and newborn baby can be flown to h

[Judi Lynn]

Hundreds of taxis light up Peru airstrip so critically ill mother and newborn baby can be flown to hospital at night after radio plea for help

Some 300 motorcycle taxi drivers parked on an airstrip and turned their headlights on so a critically ill mother and newborn baby could be flown to hospital at night from one of the poorest places in Peru.

The single-engine medical plane, which also carried a 17-year-old man with a tropical disease, took off from Contamana airport after the taxi drivers responded to a plea from a local radio DJ.

They arrived at the 2,600ft airstrip within minutes and shone their headlights along the runway so the plane could take off for the town of Pucallpa.

The town's hospital is not equipped for emergency situations and the airport has basic facilities and no lights.

More, with photos:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2305830/Hundreds-taxis-light-Peru-airstrip-critically-ill-mother-newborn-baby-flown-hospital-night-radio-plea-help.html#ixzz2PwpMNhfR

[gaspee]

1. Just when

I've almost gone over to the dark side and begin to think people are inherently selfish and cruel, I see a story like this. Nice.

[duhneece]

2. We need to be reminded of how good people can be

Of how much we want to help...I know I do, too, anyway.