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Crash kills Ecuador defence chief Crash kills Ecuador defence chief
(20 minutes later)
Ecuador's Defence Minister Guadalupe Larriva has been killed in a crash that involved two military helicopters, officials say. Ecuador's Defence Minister Guadalupe Larriva has been killed in a crash involving two military helicopters.
Ms Larriva's 17-year-old daughter, who was with her in one of the helicopters, and two pilots also died. Both pilots, as well as Ms Larriva's 17-year-old daughter who was with her in one of the helicopters, also died.
The two helicopters collided near the city of Manta on the Pacific coast. The aircraft collided near the city of Manta on the Pacific coast. There is no word on the cause of the accident.
Ms Larriva took office on 15 January, and was the first woman to serve as Ecuador's defence minister. Ms Larriva, 50, took office on 15 January, and was the first woman to serve as Ecuador's defence minister.
President Rafael Correa expressed sorrow over the accident after travelling to the crash site. Ms Larriva, who formerly headed the small Socialist party, was appointed by left-wing President Rafael Correa when he came to power earlier this month.
Mr Correa expressed sorrow over the accident after travelling to the crash site.
He said country was living through a very difficult moment.