BNPB’s Super Puma crashes in Barito River

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2 hours ago

Banjarmasin, S Kalimantan (ANTARA) – A Super Puma helicopter, owned by Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), crashed during a forest and land fire suppression mission on the Barito River in South Kalimantan on Sunday.

Preliminary reports from emergency communications groups and the Banjarmasin Search and Rescue Office said the helicopter crashed while maneuvering after collecting water from the river for firefighting.

The aircraft was identified as a Eurocopter EC225LP Super Puma, also known as an Airbus H225, with registration number VH-HGM and manufacturer’s serial number 2878.

Amateur video showed the helicopter approaching the river before losing control and crashing into the water, prompting local residents to rush to help its crew.

BNPB later confirmed that all three crew members survived and were safe. Authorities were still compiling a full account of the accident and investigating its cause.

Banjarmasin Search and Rescue Office Chief I Putu Sudayana said Sunday he had received reports of the accident and was heading to the scene.

“I am on my way to the scene. We have deployed all available personnel, and I will provide an update once I arrive,” he said.