15 fatalities confirmed in Mi-17 helicopter tragedy in Arequipa

Arequipa, Peru. – The Peruvian Air Force (FAP) confirmed the death of the 15 people who were traveling aboard a Mi-17 helicopter that crashed in the Arequipa region, in the south of the country, while carrying out a support mission amid the emergencies caused by heavy rains. The aircraft lost contact during the flight and was later located in a difficult-to-access area in the province of Caravelí. Search and rescue teams confirmed that there were no survivors. Among the victims were members of the military crew and several civilian passengers, including family members of the Peruvian Air Force personnel, including wives and children. The authorities released the identities of the occupants and expressed their deep sorrow for the tragic event. The helicopter was participating in humanitarian assistance and damage assessment efforts in the face of the floods affecting various locations in southern Peru. The military institution reported that an exhaustive investigation has been ordered to determine the causes of the accident.

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The Peruvian government expressed its condolences to the families of the victims and announced psychological support and institutional support for relatives, while the country mourns one of the most painful air tragedies of recent times in the region.