A woman in Australia, Marcela Montalva, faced a life-threatening encounter with a magpie, leaving her with severe injuries. Originally from Chile, Montalva had recently relocated to Ravenswood, a remote town in the Australian Outback, on a temporary working holiday visa. She shared her aspirations of exploring the country’s beauty and culture while working to fund her adventures.
On a day off on October 15, while riding her bike to a nearby post office, Montalva was unexpectedly attacked by a magpie, causing her to lose control and fall, hitting her face on the road. She recounted waking up in the mine’s medical unit after losing consciousness and being airlifted to Townsville University Hospital due to the remote location.
Upon examination, doctors found that the magpie attack had resulted in severe injuries, including multiple fractures to her left cheekbone and a rare fracture of her hyoid bone in the neck. Montalva expressed gratitude for surviving the incident but now faces the urgent need for facial reconstructive surgery to restore her ability to eat and speak properly.
Despite her travel insurance denying coverage for medical expenses due to a reported lack of a helmet during the incident, Montalva has managed to raise approximately $12,000 (AUD) through fundraising efforts. The funds will go towards the necessary medical procedures for her facial reconstruction.
Reflecting on the incident, Montalva expressed shock at the unforeseen turn of events, emphasizing the unexpected nature of the bird attack and its severe consequences.