Eleven Killed as Chopper Crashes into Panama City Building

**kellyhound** · #1 ● 06-22-2008, 12:37 PM

On May 29, 2008, tragedy struck in Panama City as a helicopter crashed into a building, erupting in flames and claiming the lives of at least 11 individuals, including Chile's chief of police. The horrific incident unfolded in a bustling neighborhood of the city.

According to Justice Minister Daniel Delgado Diamante, the crash resulted in the loss of 11 lives, comprising six Chileans and five Panamanians. Remarkably, one of the 12 occupants, a Panamanian, managed to survive.

Among the casualties were Chile's head of national police, Jose Alejandro Bernales, along with his wife and four other Chilean officials, as confirmed by Chile's Interior Minister Edmundo Perez Yoma in Santiago.

The tragic incident also claimed the lives of four Panamanian police officers, although the final death toll remained pending as investigations into the crash's cause were initiated.

Civil aviation sources revealed that the helicopter, belonging to Panama's National Air Service, carried at least 12 people, including three crew members.

Fortunately, there were no reports of casualties on the ground. However, four individuals in the vicinity received medical attention for smoke inhalation, while another suffered from shock.

Amidst the ongoing fire in the building, rescue teams and firefighters tirelessly combed through the wreckage and debris in search of additional victims or potential survivors. Tragic scenes unfolded as bodies covered in blue blankets became visible at the accident site, and several injured individuals were rushed to hospitals.

Eyewitnesses recounted the helicopter's erratic descent and the ensuing blaze it ignited upon impact with the building.

In response to the disaster, authorities cordoned off the area, and the mayor urged people to steer clear to prevent further casualties. Nearby structures were evacuated due to concerns about potential collapses or explosions.

President Martin Torrijos immediately cut short his trip from El Salvador, where he had been meeting with Central American leaders and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. He personally contacted Chilean President Michelle Bachelet to express condolences for the loss of the Chilean officials who had been in Panama for a UN-sponsored conference on terrorism.