Army's Helicopter Has Accident in Papua

Timika, Papua (Antara) - A helicopter belonging to the regional military command "Kodam XVII/Cenderawasih" had an accident in Kampung Aroanop, Tembagapura District, Mimika, at about 3.30 pm local time on Sunday, an official said. "We do not know exactly whether the helicopter crashed or made an emergency landing or a hard landing. Information we received said that the helicopter's evacuation is expected to take effect on Monday," Head of the Mimika air transportation department of communication and information office, John Rettob confirmed here on Sunday. The ill-fated helicopter was identified as "Bel 412" with identification number HA 5170. John said that the helicopter flew from Mozes Kilangin airport in Timika on Sunday at about 2pm local time, adding that the helicopter which was manned by four crew members, also carried one passenger. According to him, all crew members and the passenger survived. It was also informed that the helicopter was chartered by the Institute of Community Development Amungme and Kamoro (LPMAK) to distribute Christmas gift packages to a number of villages in the inland district of Mimika. Meanwhile, the LPMAK executive secretary, Emanuel Kemong admitted that his institution this year distributed Christmas gift packages for people who live in 100 villages in Mimika, including the Sugapa in Intan Jaya district. (*)