7.2 quake damages homes, but Mexico avoids major destruction

Mexico escaped major destruction from a magnitude 7.2 earthquake that jolted southern and central parts of the country, authorities said Saturday, though 13 people were killed in the crash of a helicopter sent to assess the damage.

A national emergency committee that convened after Friday’s quake adjourned in the afternoon after reporting 200 homes had been damaged, primarily in the southern state of Oaxaca, along with the city hall and main church in the town of Santiago Jamiltepec.

Two people sustained broken bones but had been treated in Pinotepa Nacional, Oaxaca, and their lives were not in danger . . .