Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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Ecuador's Defense Minister Killed in Helicopter Crash
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=15F1A59:A6F02AD83191E1604A04F8D30CF7CABF9574F7DCC14957C0 Officials say
helicopter carrying Guadalupe Larriva and her 17-year-old daughter
collided in flight with another helicopter, Wednesday Ecuador's new
defense minister and her daughter have been killed in a helicopter
crash.

Officials say a helicopter carrying Guadalupe Larriva and her
17-year-old daughter collided in flight with another helicopter
Wednesday in the port city of Manta, located more than 200 kilometers
from the capital of Quito. Five members of Ecuador's military were
also killed in the collision. The two helicopters were performing a
night maneuver when the crash occurred.

Larriva was named Ecuador's first female defense minister by President
Rafael Correa, who took office on January 15. The former teacher
served as president of the Socialist Party before becoming defense
minister.

Mr. Correa asked the country to pray for the victims, their families
and "the government of Ecuador."

Interior Minister Gustavo Larrea says the government will launch an
investigation into the crash.

Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters


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