Dog Survives Peru Military Helicopter Crash That Killed 15

A small dog survived a military helicopter crash in southern Peru that killed 15 people, including its owner, Colonel Javier Nole, authorities have confirmed.

The caramel-coloured dog was discovered by rescue workers among the wreckage of the Russian-made Mi-17 helicopter that crashed on Sunday in the Arequipa region. It was found lying beside the body of Colonel Nole, 50, who was travelling with his wife and two daughters.

An air force source told AFP that the dog belonged to the colonel and was the only survivor of the crash. Local media reported that the animal appeared unharmed but was taken to a veterinary clinic as a precaution.

The crash claimed the lives of 15 people, including seven children. The helicopter had recently been deployed for flood rescue operations in the region and had taken off from the city of Pisco before crashing near the coastal town of Chala Viejo in Arequipa.

Rescue teams located the wreckage on Monday, more than 300 kilometres from its departure point. Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident.