The military helicopter went down at 9:36 am local time (14:36 GMT), according to a statement from the Ecuadorian Armed Forces. The statement confirmed the deaths of five soldiers and three civilians who were delivering aid to flood-affected areas.

"The Ecuadorian army has ordered the immediate establishment of an accident investigation committee to determine the cause of this unfortunate accident, which has caused grief to the armed forces and Ecuadorians," the statement added. (ILKHA)