Following this, an unexpected crisis unfolded. This time, it came from above.
A military helicopter carrying high-ranking officials assessing the earthquake damage was preparing to land nearby when the pilot lost control.
Just seconds later, the helicopter crashed to the ground — landing directly on several vehicles occupied by earthquake survivors.
As reported by the state prosecutor’s office in Oaxaca, where the incident took place, fourteen people on the ground perished, and at least 21 others were injured. Among the deceased were at least three children.
Interior Secretary Alfonso Navarrete, Oaxaca Governor Alejandro Murat, and all other individuals on board the helicopter escaped with only minor injuries, according to officials.
Navarrete informed a local journalist that the pilot of the Blackhawk helicopter lost control approximately 100 feet above the ground while attempting to land in the town of Jamiltepec, located about 20 miles from the earthquake’s epicenter.
“It is unfortunate that this incident occurred,” Navarrete told Televisa news on Friday night, adding that it was fortunate that “there was no greater loss of human lives.”
On Saturday, Secretary of National Defense Salvador Cienfuegos Zepeda arrived in Jamiltepec and expressed his apologies to the residents, stating that his agency “takes full responsibility for what transpired here.”
“This tragedy arose from our desire to assist the community here,” he remarked, further stating that his agency would support the reconstruction of homes and provide additional assistance in the region.
