Bangladesh factory girl who survived 17 days trapped beneath debris declared a hoax

A Bangladesh factory worker who was rescued after 17 days trapped beneath the collapsed factory's debris is now being declared a hoax by a former colleague and survivor.

Reshma Begum, 19, escaped on foot from under the nine-story building and was hospitalized the very same day in April, according to claims made to a British newspaper.

A former Rana Plaza worker, who allegedly worked with Begum, said that the two escaped together and walked away from the rubble.

According to the New York Daily News, the worker said that they spent two days in hospital but then she vanished. The next time she saw Begum was on TV 17 days later. They said it was a miracle. But it was all fake.

The worker, who wished to remain anonymous, has since gone into hiding for her own protection from government ramifications.

Begum was found in remarkable condition and was not immediately seen suffering from dehydration, despite claiming to have only little water and four packets of biscuits while trapped, the report said.

According to the report, more than 1,200 people were killed when the nine-story factory collapsed in April.