Helicopter crash investigation hampered by persistent rain

Investigators inspect wreckage at the crash site, a paddy field in Khon Kaen, on Thursday. (Photo by Chakkrapan Natanri)

KHON KAEN: The fourth victim of Wednesday's helicopter crash was found in the blackened wreckage overnight and forensic specialists were trying to fit names to the crushed and burned bodies on Thursday.

Persistent rain at the scene in Chonnabot district has hampered the efforts of aviation experts trying to determine the cause of the crash. As of mid-afternoon they had not found the flight recorder.

Rescuers retrieved the badly crushed body of the last victim, who was burned beyond recognition, from the wreckage, on Wednesday night, bringing the total number of the crash victims to four.

Police also collected other evidence at the crash site, including valuables of the victims, shirts of TV crew members and electronic equipment.

The helicopter, AS355NP, crashed onto a paddy field and burst into flames in tambon Wang Saeng, Chonnabot district, on Wednesday morning.

There were four people listed on the flight manifest. Initially, only three bodies were found at the scene, resulting in some confusion until the fourth was retrieved.

The four names on the list were: pilot Seksan Wanna; assistant pilot, Pol Col Sinsamut Sinphettha; and two TV Channel 7 photographers, Samnao Noisakul and Ronnakit Phetnin.

Khon Kaen governor Somsak Jangtrakul said on Thursday the four bodies were taken to Srinagarin Hospital's forensic institute for identification verification. Relatives of the victims already arrived in Khon Kaen, he told a media briefing at Khon Kaen airport.

“The probe into the crash is underway. The four victims were on board helicopter AS355NP operated by Heliluck Aviation Co. The bodies were sent from Chonnabot Hospital to Srinagarin Hospital for identification and DNA testing,’’ said Mr Somsak.

Dr Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, dean of Khon Kaen University’s faculty of medicine, confirmed the bodies arrived at Srinagarin Hospiatal late on Wednesday night. The scattered remains had been collected by matching bits of clothing and identity cards and wrapped in four bags by rescue workers and Chonnabot Hospital staff

"Although relatives confirmed the bodies were those of their loved ones, the medical team cannot let them take the remains for funeral rites until the identity verification process is completed. The results are needed for legal proceedings, particularly for compensation payments by insurance firms to the victims' families. DNA results are needed to avoid legal problems in the future,’’ Dr Charnchai said.

The process would take 2-4 weeks, he added.

The probe team working at the crash site on Thursday was hindered by persistent rain and strong winds as they combed through the wreckage.

The front of the ill-fated helicopter was in a crater it had made in the ground about 1.5 metres deep and filled with water from overnight rain that had to be pumped out, Khon Kaen airport director Atthaya Lapmark said on returning from the site.

So far, the flight recorder or black box had not been found, he said. The work was proceeding slowly because of the unfavorable weather and muddy ground.

With investigators still unsure what else they might find amongst the wreckage, the area has been cordoned off to the public.