No. 4 Official Dies in Helicopter Crash
One of the most powerful generals in Myanmar’s military junta was killed in a helicopter crash that left 14 other people missing, the government said. A Cabinet minister and seven junta officials appeared to be among the missing.
The military helicopter, carrying 22 officials and seven crew members, crashed into the Salween river in southeastern Myanmar. Lt. Gen. Tin Oo, 67, and the rest of his party were en route to inspect a bridge.
Myanmar Television said that, in addition to Tin Oo, an unidentified military officer was killed and that 13 people survived.
Tin Oo, who had the title of Secretary 2, was the fourth-most-powerful man in the 21-member army council that took power in a bloodless coup in September 1988. His death is not expected to affect the junta’s relations with the opposition, led by Nobel peace laureate and democracy advocate Aung San Suu Kyi.
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