"According to early information received from Malinau district police, 13 of the 19 passengers on board have died, while six are safe," spokesman for East Kalimantan Province Police Senior Commisioner Fajar Setiawan said here.
The M17 helicopter carrying military personnel, civilians and 1,800 kg of logistical supplies for the development of a border post in a remote area in Malinau left for Tarakan city, North Kalimantan, at 9.45 in the morning. It lost contact with the base after passing Bako Hulu sub-district at around 10.30 am.
The search and rescue team found the downed helicopter in a field near the border area between Malinau district and Serawak (Malaysia).
Reporting by Amirullah
Translating and Editing by Amie Fenia Arimbi
Editor: AA Ariwibowo
Copyright © ANTARA 2013