Skydiver Survives 13,000-Foot Fall & It's Caught On Camera (Video)
A skydiver survived a 13,000-foot free-fall in what's now being described by many people as a miracle.
Gerardo Flores, an experienced skydiver who had already completed 29 successful jumps, was reportedly just 30 seconds into his latest free-fall when his parachute abruptly opened, according to The Daily Mail.
Flores said he was at a height of roughly 13,000 feet when his parachute unexpectedly triggered.
"It just exploded ... It just it yanked me to the side. Something went wrong ... One hundred things go through your mind," he said. "You are never supposed to open above 6,000 feet."
In the footage, he talked to the camera, saying that he can see the drop zone thousands of feet below and that he tried to make the decision whether he should cut his chute loose and rely on the backup one.
"I said wait a minute. If I pull right now, what if the reserve doesn't open?" he asked.
Following his 13,000-foot drop, he collided with the ground and broke many ribs. He also lacerated his tongue. Flores suffered head injuries and the impact of the crash knocked him out cold for a period of two weeks. However, he eventually regained consciousness.
Flores explained his extremely lucky fortune, saying, "The FAA said you are the luckiest man I ever met."
An investigation conducted on the accident revealed that the velcro closure to his parachute was completely worn out. It was also found that Flores' rigging had knots in it along with a number of broken suspension lines.
"These lines should have been replaced prior top allowing this parachute to be placed in service," said an inspector.
Those who have heard of Flores' survival have been chiming in on the miraculous scenario via social networking.
"Wow! Absolutely amazing. There's no logical reason why this guy should still be alive. An absolute miracle," said DKYoung78.
