Kuala Lumpur:- A ‘Flying Doctor Service’ helicopter crashed near an airport on the island of Borneo in Malaysia. Five people, including medical staff, were on board. Authorities have not yet confirmed any casualties in the accident that occurred in Sarawak state.
Malaysia’s Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said in a statement, “According to initial information, the helicopter was carrying a pilot and four ministry staff members, including a medical officer, an assistant medical officer and two nurses.”
The ‘Flying Doctor’ service generally uses aircraft to provide medical care, emergency transportation and clinical services in rural or remote areas.
Health Minister Dzulkefly said, “The condition of the crew members and passengers, as well as the cause of the incident, is not yet known. Search and rescue operations are being conducted by fire and medical authorities.” Malaysia’s Civil Aviation Authority reported receiving information about the incident—which occurred near Sarawak’s Long Lelang STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) airport—in the late afternoon (local time), and the Ministry of Transport’s Air Accident Investigation Bureau is investigating the matter.