PM & four Ministers shaken but unhurt in emergency chopper landing Cedric Patjole on Wed, 04/30/2014 - 22:19 PNG Edge has confirmed that the helicopter that made an emergency landing today in East Sepik Province was transporting the Prime Minister and four other cabinet members. A source told PNG Edge the helicopter that made the emergency landing was transporting Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and Ministers Loujaya Kouza, Delilah Gore, Francis Awesa, and Richard Maru. Also with the high profile delegation was EMTV News journalist, Jack Lapauve Jr, and Minister Maru’s Public Relations Officer, Nasayau Luarang. The incident which was relatively kept under wraps could have turned nasty given the high profile delegation on the chopper. The source said the helicopter was airborne for roughly 20 minutes and was to take the delegation on a site-see of the Sepik Plains in Yangorru, and then onto another program in Drekikir. While en-route to see the Sepik Plains a mechanical fault erupted and affected the helicopters flight in the air. At the time the Prime Minister was seated in front alongside the pilot while the rest of the delegation was seated at the back. A primary school within the helicopters flight path provided a field which was a perfect area for the emergency landing. The source said the chopper roughly landed and skid nose first, with the front tilting towards the ground before resting properly. The delegation quickly exited the helicopter, much to the surprise of the locals and school children. It is understood the Ministers and the Prime Minister did not suffer any injuries but were shaken by the experience. A second helicopter was flown in to pick the delegation and continue the program.
Posted on: Wed, 30 Apr 2014 23:50:09 +0000
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