by Suresh Pd Nikhar
Muzaffarpur: An Advanced Light Helicopter of the Indian Air Force (IAF) made an emergency landing in a water-logged area of Muzaffarpur, Bihar, while conducting flood relief operations on Wednesday. The incident involved four personnel, including two pilots, all of whom are reported safe.
According to sources, the precautionary landing was necessitated by a technical issue. The IAF confirmed that all crew members were unharmed, with no reported damage to civilian life or property. An inquiry has been ordered to investigate the cause of the incident.
The helicopter was returning from Darbhanga after air-dropping relief supplies when it made the emergency landing in the Aurai block. Senior Superintendent of Police Rakesh Kumar noted that locals assisted in extracting the IAF personnel before officials arrived at the scene.
At the time of the landing, the helicopter was on its way to distribute relief material to flood-affected areas in Muzaffarpur, having previously collected supplies from Sitamarhi. Reports indicate that as locals began rescue efforts, some individuals attempted to loot the relief materials from the downed helicopter using boats.
Pratyaya Amrit, Additional Chief Secretary of the Disaster Management Department, praised the pilot’s quick decision-making, which he said averted a major accident after an engine failure led to the emergency landing. The pilot and crew members were transported to SKMCH for treatment.
In recognition of their swift response, the Bihar government announced that the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) team would be rewarded for their effective rescue operations. Following the incident, some local residents were seen taking selfies and making videos at the site, sharing them on social media.
