Six people were slightly injured when a police helicopter smashed into the ground while attempting to land yesterday afternoon at a border patrol police unit in Surin's Muang district, a police source said.
The incident was reported about 2pm at Border Patrol Police 21 when a Bell helicopter carrying six people including Pol Maj Gen Khirisak Tantinawachai, deputy commissioner of Provincial Police Region 3, crashed at a landing area.
While the helicopter was nearing the ground, a strong gust swept in from the rear causing the pilot to lose control, according to the source.
Two pilots, one mechanic and three passengers suffered slight injuries, while the helicopter was severely damaged in the incident, according to the source. An investigation is underway.
Pol Maj Gen Khirisak was travelling with Pol Col Thammanoon Chimwong, deputy chief of Surin provincial police, and Pol Capt Natthawut Summat, an investigator attached to Provincial Police Region 3, from Nakhon Ratchasima to Surin to follow up on a drug case.