Helicopter Crash in Oaxaca Sends Shockwave After Earthquake
What Went Down?
After a 7.2‑Magnitude earthquake rattled Oaxaca, a Mexican military helicopter carrying top officials tried to land in the small town of Santiago Jamiltepec. Unfortunately, the night‑time attempt took a tragic turn.
The Fallout
- The rotor blades hit two open‑field vans, smacking the tarmac like a drum.
- 13 people, including three children, lost their lives on the ground.
- Another victim later succumbed in a hospital.
- 15 others sustained injuries—most of them moderately.
- The interior minister and state governor survived, but their boots were stained with dust.
Why the Chaos?
The helicopter was racing toward an open clearing, throwing a puff of dust into the night. The crew tried to land despite a murky sky, no lights, and a night‑time sandstorm—windy, dusty, and disorienting.
Authorities Keep Their Head Down
Defence Minister General Salvador Cienfuegos made a trip, offered apologies, and admitted “misfortune” was on his side. “We’ll do everything in our power to fix this,” he said.
Local Reaction
- “The governor was supposed to help,” one grieving family lamented. “What kind of aid did we actually receive?”
- Families crowded around the crash site, bearing the heavy weight of injuries and the pain of loss.
Broader Picture
The quake left over a million households without electricity— Mexico City and southern regions are left in blackout. 50 homes in Oaxaca took a beating, and the entire state continues to brace for earthquakes that have been a recurring nightmare.
Official Takeaway
Investigators say the chaotic conditions—late hour, heavy dust—disoriented the pilot. No evidence of recklessness was found, but the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of how unpredictable nature can be.