3 killed in Mexico helicopter crash

At least three members of the Mexican Navy died Wednesday when their helicopter crashed 370 km southwest of the port of Lazaro Cardenas in the western Michoacan state, the Ministry of the Navy said.

In a statement, the ministry said the Navy's helicopter suffered an accident moments after taking off from the flight deck, and so far the causes of the crash have not been determined.

"Eight naval personnel were being transported on this aircraft, of which three were rescued alive, who are in stable health," the Navy said.

"Three lost their lives, and two are missing, so corresponding search measures are being taken," it added.

Lazaro Cardenas, one of Mexico's main Pacific coast ports, has been marred by violence linked to drug trafficking.

xinhua