By Natalia Rueda 
On a humanitarian mission to the remote Vichada region of Colombia, a tragic accident claimed the lives of 8 members of the Colombian Air Force. The Huey II helicopter FAC-4441, carrying out an aeromedical evacuation, crashed, leaving no survivors. The news has left the country in mourning, with the Colombian Air Force expressing its deepest regrets for the loss of the deceased service members.
These heroes were on a mission to save the life of a member of the Piapoco community who needed urgent relocation. However, difficult conditions made it difficult for the search and rescue team to locate the crash site, delaying the discovery of the helicopter.
According to the Colombian Air Force, the helicopter was found in Garabato village, in the municipality of Cumaribo, using advanced electro-optical systems. Upon inspection, it was confirmed that there were no survivors from the crash.
Rendimos homenaje a los ocho héroes y heroínas de la tripulación del Huey II FAC 4441, accidentada en cumplimiento de una misión humanitaria en #Vichada.
— Fuerza Aérea Colombiana (@FuerzaAereaCol) September 29, 2024
Juraron servicio a la Patria y entregaron su vida “Para que otros puedan vivir”.#NosDueleATodos#ParaQueOtrosPuedanVivir pic.twitter.com/ePZnRCsv7u
President Gustavo Petro expressed his condolences and sent a message of solidarity to the families of the victims. “I regret to report the death of 8 members of the Colombian Air Force who were traveling on a humanitarian mission in the Vichada department. Their helicopter crashed to the ground. A hug of solidarity to their families in the midst of this heartbreaking news for the country,” he tweeted.
The unexpected crash has shocked the nation and raised questions about the safety measures in place for the Air Force’s operation and maintenance of their fleet. An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the accident.