Bernama Photo
SIBU: A helicopter crashed when taking off from Dataran Sibu in the heart of the city at 1.40pm today after its three passengers, including an aide to Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin had already disembarked.
The pilot, who was the only one inside when it happened, was rushed to the Sibu Hospital. His condition is unknown.
Press Secretary to the Education Minister, Hafiz Abdul Halim, who was walking towards the RH Hotel, less than 100m from the square when it happened, was shocked.
“There was no problem with the helicopter when we took off from Bintangor or during the ride. I was walking towards the hotel when I heard a crash,” said Hafiz, who was with two security officers in the helicopter.
Muhyiddin and his special officer had landed at the same square in separate helicopters shortly before the incident.They were also returning from Bintangor.
“The deputy prime minister and his entourage are safe,” Hafiz said.
The helicopter, chartered from Sabah Air, is resting on its right on the field after the crash.
An eyewitness said she heard the sound of an explosion but no fire was seen coming from the aircraft.
“(There was) an explosion, but no fire,” said Ipah Philip, 54, a cleaner.
Another witness, Mohamed Nazri Zakaria saw the crash from his room on the 13th floor of the hotel.
“The passengers had already got down and the helicopter was taking off again. The pilot appeared to be injured and was rushed away by ambulance,” he said.
The first two helicopters had already taken off to return to the Sibu Airport. The third was to have followed suit.
Bintangor is about 20 minutes flight from Sibu. – Bernama