Five soldiers and three civilians, officials of the Risk Management Secretariat, tragically lost their lives today in Pastaza, located in the Amazon of Ecuador, when the helicopter they were traveling in with humanitarian aid crashed. The mayor, Andrew the Great, confirmed the devastating news, expressing that the community is in mourning and that the sacrifices made by those who perished in the crash will be honored.
The area where the helicopter crashed is experiencing severe flooding due to rising rivers. The aircraft was en route to deliver aid to remote communities of the Waorani indigenous people. The Ministry of Defense initiated a search operation upon learning of the aircraft’s disappearance, eventually confirming the tragic outcome. The two pilots, Major Andrés Octavio Sierra and Lieutenant Jaime Fernando Cordones, along with Sergeant Leonardo Gutiérrez and two mechanics, Corporals Christian Morales and Edgar Montesdeoca, were among those who lost their lives in the crash.
In addition to the military personnel, three civilians also perished in the accident. Engineer Katya Aragón from the Risk Management Secretariat, municipal technician Erick Reyes, and Waorani leader Diego Ima, who served as a political lieutenant of Curaray, were also on board the ill-fated helicopter. Due to adverse weather conditions in the region, the bodies will not be recovered until Saturday morning.
President Daniel Noboa expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident, recognizing the heroic efforts of the soldiers and public servants who were providing humanitarian aid in Pastaza. The community is left grieving the loss of these individuals who selflessly dedicated themselves to helping those in need.