Mexican drug crusader dies in helicopter crash

A senior cabinet member who played an important role in the Mexican government's battle against murderous drugs cartels has been killed with seven other people in a helicopter crash.

Francisco Blake Mora, the Interior Secretary, was responsible for domestic policies including security, human rights and migration, and was the embodiment of the fight against drugs. Felipe Zamora, the Under Secretary for Human Rights, was also among those killed.

The crash is thought to have been caused by pilot error in fog in a mountainous region of Mexico State but all possible causes are being investigated. President Felipe Calderon said of Mr Mora: "Mexico has lost a great patriot... and I lost a dear friend."