News

One critical after helicopter accident

One of the two ground handling staff injured after a military helicopter crashed into an air-stair at Velana International Airport (VIA) on Sunday remains in critical condition, privately run ADK Hospital said Monday.

A hospital official said the man was currently in intensive case but refused to divulge details of the injuries.

According to eyewitnesses the two were hit by flying debris after the helicopter's rotor blades struck the air-stair during landing.

The debris had reportedly pierced the abdomen of one of the two men while the other escaped with minor injuries and was released from the hospital shortly after.

The injured duo were reportedly on the air-stair during the accident.

The helicopter had arrived from Gaaf Alif Villingili island carrying a patient.

Only the Maldivian National Defense Force (MNDF) has the license to operate helicopters in the Maldives.

But the government had recently announced plans to re-introduce helicopter operations in the archipelago, more than 15 years since the island nation ceased using choppers after a series of accidents resulted in multiple fatalities.