Seven children, including a three-year-old, are among 15 dead in a fatal helicopter crash in Peru. The Peruvian Air Force helicopter crashed yesterday during a search and rescue mission for the region of Arequipa, southern Peru, after the area had been ravaged by floods.

However, the Mi-17 helicopter lost radio contact during the flight from the city of Pisco to Chala, prompting an intensive search of the area. The wreckage was found near the town of Chala Viejo, in the southern region of Arequipa, where it reportedly crashed on Sunday around 4.30pm local time, killing everyone on board.

Spanish news outlet La Razon reported it had been carrying four crew members and eleven passengers, including six teenagers and a three-year-old child, as detailed by the Peruvian Air Force (FAP).

The helicopter pilot was identified as Major Sergio Danner Paucar Centurión. He was accompanied by Second Lieutenant Luis Fernando Huertas Cárcamo, First Sergeant Kamila Chapi Anchapuri Jove and Sergeant Leiner Aguirre Huamán.

Among the passengers was Colonel Javier Nole, along with Elisa Bernel Paredes, 49, and Zoila Fernandez Medina, 45.

The air force stated: “The High Command of the institution expresses its deepest condolences and total solidarity to the families of our valiant comrades in arms and of the passengers who died in this tragic accident.”

It said that it would give the friends and families of the victims “all necessary support and assistance” needed during this “difficult moment”.

“The Air Force of Peru joins in national mourning for the loss of these Peruvians in service to the fatherland and family,” it added.

A full investigation has been opened into the tragedy. Local reports suggested that heavy rain complicated search efforts.