Tragically, five soldiers and three civilians from the Risk Management Secretariat lost their lives today in Pastaza, Ecuador’s Amazon region when the helicopter they were traveling in crashed while delivering humanitarian aid. The mayor of Pastaza confirmed the devastating news, expressing that the entire region is in mourning and determined to honor the memories of those who perished while selflessly delivering aid to communities in need.
The crash occurred in an area affected by flooding from rising rivers, where the helicopter was en route to deliver aid to remote communities of the Waorani indigenous people. Two pilots, a major and a lieutenant, along with three soldiers and two mechanics, were on board the Army aircraft when the tragic incident took place. In addition to the military personnel, the three civilians who lost their lives included an engineer, a municipal technician, and a Waorani leader.
President Daniel Noboa expressed deep sorrow over the accident, emphasizing the heroic efforts of the crew and passengers who were dedicated to providing humanitarian aid in the area. The bodies of those who perished in the crash will not be recovered until Saturday morning due to the challenging weather conditions in the Amazon region.
The tragic accident has deeply impacted the community of Pastaza and beyond, highlighting
