LA PAZ, June 21 (Xinhua) -- Six people were killed Sunday when a Bolivian Air Force aircraft crashed in a mountainous area of the central department of Cochabamba during a civic-action support flight, the military said.
The Cessna FAB-409 was located in the Tres Cruces area of Sayari after several hours of search and rescue efforts. The air force later confirmed there were no survivors, according to a statement.
The aircraft took off from El Alto International Airport near capital La Paz on a support and transport mission along the La Paz-Cochabamba route. It maintained regular contact with air traffic services before communication was lost, triggering emergency protocols.
Preliminary reports from search and rescue teams showed that all six people on board were killed in the crash.
According to the air force, the aircraft was being used to transport and assist cancer patients as part of its social assistance and civic-action programs across the country. The victims included military personnel and civilians.
The Aeronautical Accident Investigation Board has launched an investigation to determine whether mechanical failure, adverse weather conditions or other factors caused the crash, the statement said. ■
