Feb 23 β€’ 16:03 UTC πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡¨ Ecuador El Universo (ES)

Peruvian Air Force helicopter missing since Sunday found

The missing Mi-17 helicopter of the Peruvian Air Force was located in Arequipa after intensive search efforts, confirming the death of all 15 people on board.

The Peruvian Air Force's Mi-17 helicopter, which had been missing since Sunday, was discovered in Arequipa, following extensive search efforts. The helicopter was on a mission to address the severe flooding affecting the southern coastal region of Peru when contact was lost around 4:30 PM. The recovery of the wreckage has been confirmed by officials from the Air Force, leading to significant concern over the fate of the crew and passengers aboard.

A total of 15 individuals were on the helicopter, which included four crew members and eleven passengers. Tragically, upon reaching the site, the rescue teams confirmed that there were no survivors among the occupants. The list of victims has been released, showcasing the range of individuals who were tragically lost in this incident. Witness accounts described the helicopter flying at a low altitude before a loud explosion was heard, coinciding with the presence of heavy fog in the area at the time.

This incident highlights not only the risks involved in aerial operations during emergency situations like natural disasters but also raises questions about the safety protocols and aviation controls in adverse weather conditions. The aftermath of such tragedies also affects public perception of the military's capability to conduct rescue missions under challenging circumstances, emphasizing the need for improved safety measures to prevent future incidents.

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