Panama politician posts SOS call on Twitter after helicopter crash

A politician used social media to post a dramatic call for help after a helicopter crash in the middle of the jungle.

Independent presidential candidate for Panama, Dimitri Flores, posted to social media calling for help after a helicopter crash. Picture: Dimitri Flores/Twitter

A Panamanian politician posted a dramatic video to social media calling for help after his helicopter crash-landed in a jungle.

Panama 2024 presidential candidate Dimitri Flores was among six people on board the aircraft who miraculously survived after crashing in the country’s mountainous western region.

Panama presidential candidate Dimitri Flores in front of the wreckage. Picture: Dimitri Flores/Twitter

Mr Flores’ video shows the crash site where parts of the helicopter wreckage can be seen strewn across the jungle.

“We had an accident here, brother, here at 4500ft [1400m] in the mountains,” Mr Flores said in the video, but doesn’t indicate the exact location of the crash.

“We have some broken legs and arms between us. There’s six of us. But we have to thank God for being alive.”

Cae un helicóptero donde viajaba el precandidato presidencial Dimitri Flores y otros acompañantes, en área boscosa entre Bocas del Toro y Chiriquí. Viajaban en la ruta Changuinola-David. Reporte de Pedro Rodríguez. #RadioPanamapic.twitter.com/t1pweTTzAQ

— Radio Panamá (@radiopanama) August 10, 2022

While all passengers were eventually rescued safely by Panama emergency services, Mr Flores went on later to criticise the four hours and 20 minute wait he and the other passengers endured.

“I’m very disappointed with the authorities. They flew over here with helicopters several times, helicopters which cost us millions, but which they couldn’t land here,” he said in a separate video.

Instead, Mr Flores was greeted by two locals who managed to find the helicopter quicker than emergency services could.

“I’m very disappointed … there’s much work to be done for our country,” Mr Flores said.

EnDesarrollo En coordinación con @Sinaproc_Panama llegamos al área del accidente, después de 3 horas de camino haciendo contacto y brindando los primeros auxilios. @MinSegPma@TReporta@tvnnoticias@SertvNoticias@nexnoticias@[e-mail]/R3StIn79ze

— Senan Panamá (@SENANPanama) August 10, 2022

Rescuers from Panama’s National Aeronaval Service tweeted that they had to hike three hours through the jungle to reach the crash site where they then administered first aid to the passengers.

They also praised the co-operation between emergency services and local residents who guided them through the jungle.

The passengers were transferred to health services to receive medical attention for their injuries.