Body recovered after helicopter crash in Indonesia, seven still missing

Rescue teams have recovered one body from the site of a helicopter crash in the dense forests of Borneo, Indonesian authorities reported on September 3. Seven other people who were on board remain unaccounted for.

The wreckage was located after a three-day search operation covering a 27-square-kilometre area in Mantewe, Tanahbumbu district, South Kalimantan province, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The Airbus BK117 D-3, operated by Eastindo Air, lost contact with air traffic control just eight minutes after departing from Kotabaru district airport on September 1. It had been en route to Palangkaraya City in Central Kalimantan.

Rescuers said one victim was found about 100 meters from the helicopter, while initial observations suggested that more victims may still be inside the burned-out fuselage.

“The condition of the helicopter is clearly burnt, so it will be necessary to dismantle the aircraft to confirm the number of victims inside,” said Yudhi Bramantyo, operational director of the National Search and Rescue Agency.

The search has been hindered by persistent bad weather and limited visibility. More than 200 personnel from the police, military, local agencies, residents, and volunteers were mobilized, supported by five helicopters conducting aerial sweeps.

Authorities confirmed that the eight people on board included three foreign nationals — an American, a Brazilian, and an Indian. Following Wednesday’s discovery, ground teams were redirected to the crash site to continue recovery operations.

By Sabina Mammadli