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Colombian government laments deaths of nationals in Rio helicopter crash
🇵🇾 Paraguay /Disasters & Emergencies

Colombian government laments deaths of nationals in Rio helicopter crash

From ABC Color · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • The Colombian government expressed regret over the deaths of three Colombian tourists in a helicopter crash in Rio de Janeiro.
  • The victims, a grandmother, her daughter, and granddaughter, were in Rio to celebrate a 15th birthday.
  • Authorities are working with local officials to assist the families and identify the victims, some of whom were severely burned.

The Colombian government has officially lamented the tragic deaths of three Colombian nationals in a helicopter accident in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The victims, identified as Lida Rocío Cubillos (grandmother), Wendy Manrique Cubillos (daughter), and Sofía Murillo Manrique (granddaughter), were part of a larger family group visiting Rio to celebrate a 15th birthday.

Colombia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the Colombian Consulate in Rio de Janeiro is cooperating with local authorities to manage the situation and provide support to the victims' families. "The Colombian Consulate in Rio de Janeiro is coordinating with local authorities to carry out the pertinent procedures. Likewise, it is contacting the families of the compatriots to provide the corresponding guidance," the ministry said in a statement.

The Colombian Consulate in Rio de Janeiro is coordinating with local authorities to carry out the pertinent procedures. Likewise, it is contacting the families of the compatriots to provide the corresponding guidance.

— Colombian Ministry of Foreign AffairsStatement regarding the government's actions following the helicopter crash.

The helicopter crashed in a densely wooded and difficult-to-access area, complicating rescue efforts. According to Diana Páez, the Consul General of Colombia in Rio, the identification process is being hindered because two of the bodies were "totally incinerated." The victims' remains have been transferred to the forensic institute for identification, with results to be cross-referenced with flight registration data.

The helicopter belonged to a company offering scenic tours of the city. The crash near the Vista Chinesa viewpoint, a popular tourist spot, caused a significant fire, requiring specialized firefighting units to respond.

totally incinerated

— Diana PáezColombian Consul General in Rio de Janeiro, describing the condition of some victims' bodies.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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