Among the deceased were at least three children.

Interior Secretary Alfonso Navarrete, Oaxaca Governor Alejandro Murat, and all other individuals aboard the helicopter escaped with only minor injuries, as reported by officials.

Navarrete informed a local journalist that the pilot of the Blackhawk helicopter lost control approximately 100 feet above the ground while preparing to land in the town of Jamiltepec, situated about 20 miles from the earthquake’s epicenter.

“It is regrettable that this incident occurred,” Navarrete stated to Televisa news on Friday night, adding that it was fortunate that “there was no greater loss of human lives.”

On Saturday, Secretary of National Defense Salvador Cienfuegos Zepeda arrived in Jamiltepec and expressed his apologies to the residents, stating that his agency “takes full responsibility for what transpired