The wreckage of a Russian-made Mi-17 military helicopter, which had been missing since February 22, has been discovered in Peru.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports, citing the Peruvian Air Force, that the helicopter crashed in a rural area of the Chala district, approximately 300 kilometers from its point of departure.
The helicopter was deployed to assist in the evacuation and rescue operations for victims of devastating floods in the city of Arequipa. Search and rescue teams have confirmed that all 15 people on board, including four crew members and 11 passengers, perished in the accident. Among the 15 victims, seven are reported to be children.
General Antonio Lamadrid, the police chief of the Arequipa region, stated to the press that the wreckage was located in a remote area far from residential settlements. An official investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the crash.
The Mi-17 is a medium twin-turbine transport helicopter widely used globally for both military and civil purposes, particularly in rugged terrain and for humanitarian missions. Peru frequently utilizes these aircraft for disaster relief efforts due to the country's challenging Andean geography and susceptibility to seasonal flooding and landslides. This incident highlights the ongoing risks faced by emergency responders during large-scale natural disasters in South America.
