Miri Resident confirms 5 dead in Sarawak chopper crash

 The identities of the deceased have not been released.

A BO-105 helicopter operating a Flying Doctor Service flight was flying from Miri airport to Long Lellang when it crashed near the Long Lellang STOLport this afternoon. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

The four healthcare workers and pilot aboard a BO-105 helicopter that crashed in Sarawak earlier today have died.

Miri Resident and Miri divisional disaster management committee chairman Galong Luang confirmed the deaths when contacted by the Borneo Post.

“Unfortunately, all five onboard are deceased, as confirmed by reports from the fire and rescue department and health ministry,” he said.He said the identities of the deceased had not been released.

The BO-105 helicopter, which was operating a Flying Doctor Service flight, was flying from Miri Airport to Long Lellang when it crashed near the Long Lellang STOLport.

Galong said the fire and rescue department had approved the use of an MI-17 helicopter to retrieve the victims’ remains.

He said the operation would depend on weather conditions and instructions from aviation and other relevant authorities.

The mission will be led by Marudi police chief Nor Aizan Jamil, who will also oversee investigations into the crash.

Galong said the victims’ remains were expected to be brought back to Miri on the same trip, with the helicopter likely to land at Miri airport rather than the helipad at Miri Hospital.

The Miri Resident is the senior government administrative officer responsible for coordinating the administration and disaster response efforts in Miri.

Earlier today, health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said the four passengers on board the helicopter were ministry personnel on official duty, comprising a medical officer, a medical assistant and two nurses. - FMT