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Five soldiers — four Venezuelans and one Bolivian — died July 20 in an accident involving a helicopter regularly used by Bolivian President Evo Morales, Bolivian Minister of Defense Walker San Miguel announced July 21. So far, there are very few details about the crash, and no reports of foul play, leaving shoddy maintenance or pilot error the most likely culprits. But the fact that Morales was in the same helicopter just hours before the crash is suspicious indeed.
The helicopter, a French-made “Super Puma,” was used early July 20 to transport Morales to the mining town of Huanuni de Oruro. The helicopter was then scheduled to travel to Cochabamba, where it would refuel, and later travel to Cobija. Details on where the helicopter was slated to rendezvous with Morales are unclear. What is clear, however, is that the helicopter never arrived at Cobija.
The Super Puma was one of five helicopters lent or gifted to Bolivia by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. In fact, Venezuelan military personnel actually man the helicopters that transport Morales. The aircraft that crashed July 20 is the second of the five helicopters that have crashed in the past year.
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