Air Force Helicopter Crashes During Flood Relief in Bihar, Following Fatal Pune Accident
In a tragic incident, three people lost their lives in a helicopter crash at Bavdhan, Pune, on Wednesday morning. The helicopter, which had taken off from Pune to pick up Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) state president Sunil Tatkare from Mumbai, crashed shortly after takeoff. Details surrounding the cause of the crash are still under investigation, and rescue operations have been initiated at the site.
In a separate helicopter accident, another crash occurred in Bihar, this time involving an Air Force helicopter. The incident took place in Muzaffarpur, a region severely affected by floods. The helicopter was transporting essential goods to flood-hit citizens when it met with an accident and crashed into the floodwaters.
According to reports, the helicopter had been dispatched from Sitamarhi to provide relief supplies to the residents of Muzaffarpur. Mid-flight, the helicopter suffered a technical failure, which led to the crash. Fortunately, the pilot’s quick thinking and skillful handling of the situation prevented further tragedy, as he managed to land the helicopter in the water, ensuring the safety of the crew onboard.
Following the crash, a rescue operation was promptly initiated by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local villagers. The trapped crew members were rescued, and boats were used to aid in the operation. However, amidst the chaos, reports surfaced of locals looting goods that had been brought by the helicopter for relief purposes.
Pratyay Amrit, Chief Secretary of the Disaster Management Department, stated that a major disaster was averted due to the pilot’s timely decision to land in water after the engine failure. The injured individuals were rushed to Shri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) for treatment, and the Bihar government has announced a reward for the SDRF team involved in the rescue efforts.
Despite the severity of the situation, some locals were reportedly seen taking selfies and recording videos during the rescue operation. The authorities have urged the public to cooperate in relief efforts and avoid such distractions during critical moments.
Both incidents have raised concerns about helicopter safety and the challenges faced during rescue operations in disaster-hit areas. An investigation into the causes of both crashes is underway.