On a Friday morning in Maharashtra’s Raigad district, a helicopter meant to pick up Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushma Andhare for a public rally encountered a harrowing crash. The incident unfolded around 9:30 am as the chopper attempted to land on a makeshift helipad in Mahuhad.
Pilots Injured, Helicopter Damaged
The landing went awry, resulting in the helicopter tilting and ultimately crashing. Both pilots sustained injuries in the mishap. Additionally, the helicopter’s rotor blades suffered damage during the crash.
Eyewitness Account
Eyewitnesses captured the dramatic scene on video, depicting the chopper’s loss of control during landing. The footage shows the aircraft swerving, wobbling, and ultimately crashing to the ground amidst clouds of dust.
Immediate Response and Rescue Efforts
Following the crash, emergency response teams swiftly arrived at the scene. They provided first aid to the injured pilots and facilitated their rescue. The preliminary investigation suggests that the uneven landing ground may have contributed to the incident.
Political Ramifications
The helicopter crash occurred amid the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, highlighting the risks associated with campaign logistics. Sushma Andhare, the intended passenger, proceeded to her scheduled campaign events via car following the incident.
As authorities continue to probe the circumstances surrounding the crash, the incident serves as a sobering reminder of the inherent risks involved in aerial transportation, particularly in high-stakes scenarios such as political campaigning.
