(LIP-jl) -- At least three deaths have been confirmed as the result of a Peruvian Air Force (FAP) helicopter crash in the Andean department of Ayacucho. The accident occurred early this morning near the area of Pacobamba, approximately 350 kilometers (218 miles) southeast of Peru's capital, Lima.
According to information released by FAP authorities, 4 other passengers aboard the helicopter survived the accident, however no details have been released as to their conditions.
Among the dead were 2 members from the FAP, Eduardor Gallardo and Abel Guevara Elias, as well as one high-ranking officer from the Peruvian Army (EP), Colonel Miguel Peñarrieta Valenzuela.
EP General Walter Chavez Cruz, the highest ranking military figure in the Ayacucho region, along with the other injured passengers, were flown to Lima.
At the time of this report, no details have been released as to the possible cause(s) of the accident.