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