Australian and New Zealand nationals taken to hospital after Super Puma H-225 crashes into river in South Kalimantan.
JAKARTA: An Indonesian crew member was killed and two foreign nationals were rescued after a helicopter crashed into a river during a firefighting operation in South Kalimantan, authorities said Sunday. The two survivors, identified as Australian national Michael John Betterridge and New Zealand national Hugh Andrew John Page, were taken to hospital for medical treatment after being recovered from the crash site.
Indonesia’s disaster mitigation agency identified the deceased crew member as Yayan Supyansuri. Authorities said rescue teams reached the partially submerged helicopter using boats, while an investigation was launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident. The firefighting operation in the region is expected to continue.
Footage released by disaster authorities showed the helicopter hovering over a river while carrying a firefighting bucket before suddenly plunging into the water. Rescue personnel subsequently approached the aircraft to recover the survivors and the deceased crew member.
The aircraft, identified as a Super Puma H-225, belonged to a company contracted by disaster management authorities to provide aerial support for firefighting operations, an official told AFP.
What caused the helicopter crash?
Authorities have not yet established what caused the helicopter to crash, and investigators are expected to examine the aircraft and other available evidence to determine the circumstances of the incident. The accident occurred while firefighting teams were conducting aerial operations against wildfires in South Kalimantan, where blazes have affected forested areas and peatlands.
The crash was the second helicopter accident involving firefighting operations in the region within a matter of days. Another helicopter went down in neighbouring Central Kalimantan, killing all three crew members on board. Indonesia’s military confirmed on Saturday that recovery teams had retrieved the black box from the earlier crash, which is expected to assist investigators in establishing the cause of the accident.
The two incidents have raised concerns over the risks faced by aviation crews involved in aerial firefighting operations, particularly as helicopters are required to operate at low altitudes while carrying water and other firefighting equipment over difficult terrain.
How are wildfires affecting Indonesia?
Indonesia has been confronting widespread wildfires amid prolonged dry conditions, with the El Niño weather pattern contributing to increased fire risks in several areas. Forest and peatland fires have generated thick smoke and hazardous haze, affecting air quality and visibility across parts of the country and neighbouring Southeast Asian states.
Communities in Kalimantan and Sumatra have faced deteriorating air quality as smoke from the fires has spread across populated areas. The resulting haze has raised public health concerns, particularly over respiratory illnesses and other health complications associated with prolonged exposure to smoke and airborne pollutants.
Indonesia has also received international assistance to strengthen its firefighting response as authorities work to contain the blazes. Australia has deployed aircraft and 20 personnel, including pilots and paramedics, to support the country’s firefighting operations and emergency response efforts.