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8 Dead in Indonesia Helicopter Crash, Recovery Efforts Halted by Darkness

Eight people are confirmed dead after a helicopter crashed in a remote, forested area of Indonesia's West Kalimantan province. Rescue teams have located the wreckage and evacuated four bodies, with three more victims still inside the aircraft. Recovery operations have been suspended due to darkness and difficult terrain, with plans to resume on Friday morning. The helicopter, identified as a PT Matthew Air Airbus H-130, was carrying eight people according to the flight manifest.

Key Points: 8 Dead in Indonesia Helicopter Crash in West Kalimantan

  • 8 confirmed dead in crash
  • Wreckage found in remote forest
  • Recovery halted by darkness/terrain
  • Evacuation to resume Friday
  • Helicopter was PT Matthew Air Airbus H-130
2 min read

8 dead in helicopter crash in Indonesia's West Kalimantan

Eight confirmed dead after a helicopter crash in remote West Kalimantan. Recovery efforts suspended due to darkness and difficult terrain.

"Four bodies have been successfully evacuated... while three others remain inside the helicopter wreckage. - Lieutenant Colonel Nurrachman Gindha Dradhizya"

Jakarta, April 17

Eight people have been confirmed dead after a helicopter crashed in Indonesia's West Kalimantan province, rescuers said on Thursday, following the discovery of wreckage in a remote forested area, according to the reports Xinhua news agency and Indonesian National Police.

According to Xinhua, the helicopter went missing before debris was located earlier on Thursday. Rescue official Lieutenant Colonel Nurrachman Gindha Dradhizya said recovery efforts were underway at the crash site.

"Four bodies have been successfully evacuated and placed in body bags, while three others remain inside the helicopter wreckage," he said. According to Xinhua, the search for the final victim was ongoing.

The helicopter, according to the official website of the Indonesian National Police, was identified as a PT Matthew Air Airbus H-130 (PK-CFX).

As reported by Xinhua, citing the flight manifest, the helicopter was carrying eight people.

According to Xinhua, authorities said evacuation efforts were temporarily suspended due to darkness and difficult terrain, with operations set to resume on Friday morning. Dradhizya added, "We will continue tomorrow morning, including efforts to cut through the helicopter wreckage to retrieve the bodies still inside."

Earlier, the Indonesian National Police said joint rescue teams had shifted into an active evacuation phase after locating the wreckage in the dense forests of Sekadau.

An Indonesian Air Force Super Puma helicopter first spotted debris (believed to be part of the aircraft's tail) at around 3:25 p.m. local time on Thursday, approximately three kilometres from the last known contact point.

Edy Prakoso, the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) Deputy for Operations and Preparedness, said, "Aerial monitoring has pinpointed the likely location. We have relayed these coordinates to ground units to facilitate the recovery mission."

Ground teams, supported by residents, are navigating challenging terrain and unpredictable weather conditions to reach the crash site. Residents had earlier reported hearing an explosion in the Bukit Puntak area.

Authorities had also stationed ambulances in nearby Hulu Peniti village to support the recovery operation as efforts continued.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Very sad news. It's a reminder of the risks involved in air travel, especially in remote areas. Kudos to the Indonesian rescue teams and local residents braving the tough conditions.
A
Aman W
This is heartbreaking. Eight lives lost. The report mentions residents heard an explosion. I hope the investigation finds the cause quickly to prevent such accidents in future.
S
Sarah B
A sobering read. The coordination between air and ground teams is impressive, but the loss of life is devastating. Thoughts are with Indonesia today.
V
Vikram M
Om Shanti. Terrible news. The article relies heavily on Xinhua. Would be good to see more direct reporting from Indonesian agencies for such a sensitive domestic incident.
K
Karthik V
Deepest condolences to the families. The rescue workers are true heroes, working in dense forests with bad weather. Hope the recovery operation is completed safely tomorrow.

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