Three killed as Indian border security force chopper crashes

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

New Delhi, Oct 19, IRNA -- An Indian Border Security Force (BSF) helicopter on anti-Naxal duty crashed on the outskirts of Ranchi in Jharkhand state Wednesday, killing two pilots and a technician on board.

The advanced light helicopter (ALH) Dhruv was going to Chaibasa from Ranchi when its engine caught fire and it crashed in Khunti jungle, pti reported quoting a senior BSF official as said.

All three on board the Pawan Hans chopper, Captain Thomas, Captain S P Singh and technician Manoj Kumar Swain, were killed in the mishap, he said.

A team of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel deployed in the area for anti-Naxal operation has been rushed to the area. Air Force too launched a rescue operation from Kalaikunda air base.

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Islamic Republic News Agency/IRNA NewsCode: 30619766