In the wake of a devastating earthquake in Mexico, fear of aftershocks led many survivors to spend the night outside or in their cars. In Jamiltepec, a town located just 20 miles from the earthquake’s epicenter, residents gathered in open areas for safety. Tragically, the area soon became the site of a second disaster involving a military helicopter.

A Blackhawk helicopter carrying high-ranking officials, including Oaxaca Governor Alejandro Murat and Interior Secretary Alfonso Navarrete, crashed while attempting to land in the town. The aircraft lost control at around 100 feet in the air and plummeted into an area where earthquake survivors had gathered, believing it to be a safe refuge from collapsing buildings.

The crash resulted in the deaths of 14 people on the ground, including three children, and left 21 others injured. While all passengers aboard the helicopter escaped with only minor injuries, the majority of victims were civilians seeking shelter from the quake. The incident added heartbreak to an already traumatized community.

In a press statement, Secretary Navarrete called the crash “unfortunate” and focused on the survival of those inside the helicopter, a comment that drew criticism from locals who were mourning the loss of their loved ones. His words were seen by some as lacking empathy toward the ground victims.

On Saturday, Secretary of National Defense Salvador Cienfuegos Zepeda visited the crash site and publicly took responsibility on behalf of the military. He expressed deep sorrow and extended condolences to the victims’ families. He assured the community that the military would assist with rebuilding efforts and support those affected by both the earthquake and the crash, vowing to turn the tragedy into a moment of renewed commitment to recovery.