In Pastaza, Ecuador’s Amazon region, a helicopter carrying five soldiers and three civilians from the Risk Management Secretariat crashed today, tragically claiming the lives of all those on board. 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. However, due to challenging weather conditions in the Amazon region, it will not be possible to recover their bodies until Saturday morning.
The tragic accident has deeply impacted not only Pastaza but also other communities beyond it. It serves as a solemn reminder of the challenges faced by those who are committed to serving and supporting vulnerable communities, even in the face of danger and adversity. The loss of these individuals will be deeply felt throughout Ecuador’s Amazon region for years to come.
The community of Pastaza has come together in mourning for those lost but is also determined to continue honoring their memory by continuing their work towards helping others who are in need. They recognize that this tragedy serves as a reminder that there is still much work left to be done before we can truly say that all people have equal access to basic necessities like food, water and shelter.
The government has pledged its support towards ensuring that such accidents do not happen again in future. They will work closely with experts from different fields such as aviation technology and engineering to investigate what caused this tragedy.
Overall, this tragedy highlights how important it is for us all to recognize our responsibility towards each other and work together towards creating a safer world for everyone.