A man with cerebral palsy told MSF doctors that he attempted the Darién Gap because he had no other choice after fleeing violence. He described being carried by other migrants at times and crawling at others. The journey left him with severe infections and long-term mobility challenges.
A Honduran man fell asleep on top of La Bestia and lost his leg after slipping between train cars. His injury led to permanent disability, and he later spoke publicly about how many migrants face lifelong consequences.
A woman with diabetes shared that crossing the Darién Gap caused her condition to spiral because she had no access to insulin or clean water for days. She said the journey left her with nerve damage and ongoing health complications.
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Manuel is a Guatemalan man who worked as a ferry operator. He lost his leg and one arm after being violently attacked by criminal groups while on the job. After months in the hospital, he and his wife were forced to flee the country for their safety. His story shows how violence, disability, and forced migration intersect for many. (Source: UNHCR–RIADIS report)
José Luis Hernández is a Honduran man who attempted the journey to the United States on La Bestia at age 17. During the trip he slipped from the train, lost two limbs, and spent two years recovering in Mexican hospitals. Now back in Honduras, he struggles to survive with limited economic opportunities and leads a support group for migrants who returned with disabilities. His story illustrates how La Bestia produces life-altering injuries and how disabled migrants face long-term barriers even after returning home. (Source: Center for Public Integrity, “Shattered Victims of La Bestia”)
A Venezuelan woman named Soledad crossed the Darién with her family. By the time she reached the Lajas Blancas station, her feet were cut and infected, and her young son had a high fever. She described receiving only limited help from the Red Cross, since the medical staff lacked the supplies and capacity to fully treat them. Her experience highlights how basic healthcare becomes inaccessible for migrants in transit and how quickly minor injuries can become dangerous. (Refugees International report)