IAF helicopter crash: An Advanced Light Helicopter of the Indian Air Force (IAF) made an emergency landing in the Muzaffarpur district of Bihar on Wednesday following it developed a snag, officials said. The chopper had four personnel onboard including two pilots and all of them were safe.
Senior Superintendent of Police Rakesh Kumar said that the helicopter was coming from Darbhanga, after air-dropping relief material. "The helicopter made an emergency landing in a water-logged area in Aurai block. All the occupants were IAF personnel and they were pulled out by locals by the time officials reached the spot," said the SSP.
District Magistrate Subrat Kumar Sen said, "All occupants appear safe and unharmed. However, as a precaution, they are being taken to a local hospital for check-up and treatment, if required."
Additional Chief Secretary of Health Department, Pratyaya Amrit said, "The chopper was returning when the incident happened. Only IAF officials can tell about the technical reason behind the incident. As per the information we have got, it was due to engine failure. The pilot of the chopper, Squadron Leader Praveen displayed exceptional courage by landing the aircraft in water. He and his three others with him are safe. Locals and a team of SDRF rescued them. They are being treated in Sri Krishna Medical College in Muzaffarpur. Squadron leader Praveen has suffered an injury in his back, treatment is underway. We have decided to award the SDRF team who were engaged in rescue."
Bihar floods
Several districts of Bihar are currently grappling with severe floods due to a significant rise in the water levels of rivers like the Kosi. The government is actively conducting relief operations to aid those affected by the floods. Efforts include air-dropping relief materials, rescue missions, and providing shelter and essential supplies to displaced individuals.
About 10 lakh people across 16 districts of the state have been affected by the flash floods caused by the release of millions of cusecs of water, over the past few days, by Nepal which has received unprecedented rainfall. Although no fatalities have been reported so far from the flood-hit regions, breaches in embankments at several places have been a cause for alarm.
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