Soldier Found Dead After Disappearing During Guatemalan Air Crash Recovery

The Guatemalan Army confirmed the death of a soldier who vanished during recovery operations following a civilian aircraft crash. First Specialist Nicolás Felipe Ordóñez Canto, a member of the Humanitarian and Rescue Brigade, disappeared on July 3 while working at the site of the TG-PIP aircraft accident in San Miguel Pochuta, Chimaltenango.

His body was discovered as a result of ongoing search and rescue efforts. The Ministry of National Defense stated that the exact cause of his death will be officially determined by the relevant authorities. The ministry extended its condolences to Ordóñez Canto's family, friends, and colleagues, honoring his dedication and bravery in service.

“

In respect of due process and ongoing investigations, it will be up to the competent authorities to establish and officially report the causes of death.

Rescue operations at the crash site have been challenging due to difficult terrain and adverse weather conditions. Dozens of rescuers from the Army, Volunteer Firefighters, and other institutions have been involved since Saturday. The recovery of victims' bodies is being coordinated, with specialized personnel and equipment deployed to assist in the extraction process.

Meanwhile, investigators from the Directorate General of Civil Aeronautics are collecting evidence to determine the cause of the air accident. The bodies of two victims, identified as Javier Luengo Delgado and Juan José Barrera, have been recovered, with a third body found later. The investigation is ongoing.

“

The first rescue teams managed to reach the site on Saturday, when they located the crashed aircraft. Since then, they remained in the area to coordinate the recovery of the bodies.