Bangkai Helicoper Falls In Ternate Found, 3 Passengers Died

The accident of the bell 429 PK type SWS rented by PT WBN had lost contact and three victims died, Wednesday (21/2/2024). BETWEEN/Abdul Fatah

Basarnas Ternate stated that the BEL 429 PK'S helicopter accident rented by PT WBN had lost contact and was found along with three victims in a dead condition.

"Currently, the process of evacuating the deceased victims to PT IWIP's Cekel Airport," said Head of Basarnas Ternate, Fathur Rahman when contacted, Wednesday, February 21, as quoted by Antara.

He said the 429 PK SWS bell helicopter had a disturbance and lost contact around the Halmahera forest between Pinto and Pit Kaurate on Tuesday, February 20, at around 13.16 WIT.

As is known, a video circulated that the team had found the helicopter carcass destroyed and three victims died not far from the helicopter carcass that had been destroyed. According to the helli bell information used, it was to distribute logistics to the mining area.

The process of evacuating victims is still being carried out by a joint team from the Halmahera forest to the PT IWIP clinic.

The joint SAR team is evacuating the helicopter carcasses that were found in the Halmahera forest, North Maluku today.

He said the location of the findings was approximately 5 km from the location of the helicopter taking off before losing contact, while the victim was found dead in a intact condition.

"Furthermore, the team is waiting for the three victims to be taken to the nearest hospital in Weda," he said.

He ensured that the helicopter belonging to Helicity, contractor PT Weda Bay Nickel (WBN), fell not due to an explosion. Even so, because it is certain that the helicopter that supplies logistics and passengers in the mining area is not yet known.

According to him, when it took off the weather was good, but after flying the conditions turned windy and rainy so that the helicopter lost contact.

He added that currently, the joint SAR team is conducting a search to find victims of 09.50 Wit and convey the development of the discovery of the 429 PK-WSW heli bell.