Presidential helicopter crashes in Ecuador, three dead

Quito: A military helicopter assigned to the presidency crashed in southern Ecuador, killing three people, President Rafael Correa has announced.

The Indian-made Dhruv helicopter was on a flight between Guayaquil and Quito when it crashed in the region of Chimborazo, a military spokesman said. Correa disclosed the crash during an election rally in Quito, asking for a moment of silence for the victims. He emphasized that at no point was he supposed to be on the flight. "Let`s hope this doesn`t lead to speculation," he said. "It has to be investigated. I was not traveling on the helicopter, I didn`t have the least plans to." Three crew members were killed, including a presidential pilot. The helicopter`s pilot survived. The cause of the crash was under investigation.