Have Rescuers Discovered Debris and a Victim from the Missing Indonesia Aircraft?

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Have Rescuers Discovered Debris and a Victim from the Missing Indonesia Aircraft?

Synopsis

In a tragic development, Indonesian rescue teams have located a body from the wreckage of the ATR 42-500 aircraft that crashed on Mount Bulusaraung. As the search continues, officials emphasize the challenging conditions faced by the rescuers. The incident raises concerns about aviation safety in the region.

Key Takeaways

  • One victim discovered from the ATR 42-500 aircraft crash.
  • Challenging conditions complicate rescue efforts.
  • The aircraft lost contact over Maros regency.
  • 10 people were on board, including crew and passengers.
  • Previous incidents in Indonesia highlight aviation safety concerns.

Jakarta, Jan 18 (NationPress) Indonesian rescue teams have located one casualty from the downed ATR 42-500 aircraft on Mount Bulusaraung in Pangkep regency, South Sulawesi, as reported by officials on Sunday.

The body was found on the mountainside and is currently being transported to the search and rescue (SAR) command center in Tompobulu village.

"Our team has successfully recovered several fragments of the aircraft, along with one victim today," stated Major General Bangun Nawoko, the Commander of the XIV/Hasanuddin Military Regional Command, during a press briefing at the SAR post, as reported by local media.

Nawoko mentioned that the victim's condition and identity are still pending confirmation, as the rescue crew continues to prioritize evacuations in the difficult terrain, according to Xinhua news agency.

"We cannot provide details about the victim's condition at this stage. What we know is that this requires significant effort due to the extraordinary conditions," he explained, noting that the body was found close to the site of the wreckage.

The ATR 42-500 aircraft reportedly lost contact while flying over Maros regency in South Sulawesi province. The plane was en route from Yogyakarta to Makassar when communication was severed on Saturday.

Official records indicate that there were 10 people on board at the time of the incident, including seven crew members and three passengers.

In September of last year, another aircraft crashed in Central Papua province, resulting in the loss of all four individuals aboard.

The wreckage was discovered in a canyon in Mimika regency, according to I Wayan Suyatna, head of the local search and rescue office. The bodies were subsequently evacuated to a hospital in Timika, the capital of the regency.

The helicopter had crashed while traveling from Ilaga Airport in Puncak regency to Mozes Kilangin Airport in Mimika, as stated by Suyatna.

Point of View

It is our responsibility to report on this tragic incident with sensitivity and accuracy. The loss of life in aviation accidents is always a somber reminder of the risks involved in air travel. While rescue efforts are ongoing, we must prioritize the safety of our rescuers and the dignity of the victims.
NationPress
22/01/2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What caused the ATR 42-500 aircraft to crash?
The precise cause of the crash is still under investigation, with reports indicating that the aircraft lost contact while flying over Maros regency.
How many people were on board the aircraft?
There were 10 individuals aboard the ATR 42-500 aircraft, consisting of seven crew members and three passengers.
What are the current efforts in the search and rescue operation?
Rescue teams are focusing on evacuating victims and recovering debris from the crash site, despite facing challenging terrain.
Have other aircraft incidents occurred recently in Indonesia?
Yes, in September of the previous year, another aircraft crashed in Central Papua, resulting in the loss of all four people on board.
Where is Mount Bulusaraung located?
Mount Bulusaraung is situated in Pangkep regency, South Sulawesi, Indonesia.
Nation Press