Lima, Peru – Fifteen people were killed when a Peruvian Air Force helicopter crashed in the southern region of Arequipa, authorities announced today.
The Air Force stated in an official statement that the victims included four crew members and 11 passengers. It also confirmed that rescue teams verified the deaths of all those on board the helicopter after the wreckage was located.
Locating the wreckage after loss of contact
The Mi-17 helicopter went missing and radio contact was lost on Sunday afternoon. This prompted a large-scale search operation involving joint patrols of special forces and police.
Search teams located the wreckage after extensive combing of the mountainous region. The deaths of all passengers and crew members were subsequently confirmed.
Investigations to determine the causes of the accident
Authorities have not yet revealed the possible causes of the helicopter crash, stating that an official investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances and technical factors of the incident.
The Mi-17 is a multi-role helicopter widely used for military transport and aerial resupply. It is also used for relief and rescue operations in rugged terrain.
This incident comes at a time when several countries in the region have experienced sporadic accidents involving military aircraft. This underscores the importance of safety procedures and regular maintenance of air fleets.
