4 Ministry of Health Personnel Among 5 Killed in Miri Helicopter Crash

Five individuals, including four Ministry of Health (MOH) personnel, have been confirmed dead after the helicopter they were travelling in crashed near the Long Lellang Short Take-Off and Landing Airport (STOLport) in Sarawak.

In a statement, the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) said the Bo-105 helicopter was carrying five people, including the pilot, and was operating a Flying Doctor Service mission. The crash is believed to have occurred at around 3:40 PM.

According to Kosmo!, the victims were identified as Captain Zainol Afiq (pilot), Dr Ainul Baroah (medical officer), Alexson Adit (assistant medical officer), and nurses Debra Monet and Jessie Paya.

The Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is expected to arrive in Miri today to begin investigating the cause of the crash.

Image Credit: Malay Mail

"The helicopter wreckage at the crash site will remain undisturbed following instructions from the AAIB. The site has been cordoned off and secured. Meanwhile, authorities will resume search and recovery operations at the crash site today," said CAAM Chief Executive Officer Datuk Captain Norazman Mahmud, as reported by NST.

One of the victims had returned to Sarawak just two days earlier

The father of one of the victims, medical officer Dr Ainul Baroah, described his daughter as a quiet and caring person who was devoted to her family and always willing to help others.

Image Credit: Malay Mail

According to Kamarudin Salleh, 69, his daughter had worked in Tanah Merah, Kelantan, for about two years before being posted to Miri Hospital. It is understood that Dr Ainul Baroah had served in Sarawak for nearly two years.

The retired teacher said he last met his daughter during the recent school holidays before she returned to Sarawak on Sunday (7 September).

Malay Mail reported that the family first learned of the helicopter crash at around 5 PM through one of Dr Ainul Baroah's parents-in-law. While they were initially unsure about her condition, her husband later confirmed that she had passed away.

Featured Image Credit: FMT, Borneo Post