Inp.polri.go.id - Ambon. The Search and Rescue (Basarnas) Office in Ternate, North Maluku, confirmed that a Bell 429 PK – SWS helicopter, leased by PT Weda Bay Nikel (WBN), crashed in Halmahera, resulting in three fatalities. "Currently, the deceased are being evacuated to the PT IWIP-owned Cekel Airport," said Fathur Rahman, the Head of Basarnas Ternate, on Wednesday (21/2/2024). The Bell 429 PK – SWS helicopter lost contact around 1.16 pm on Tuesday, experiencing technical difficulties in the Halmahera forest area between Pinto and Pit Kaurahe, antaranews.com reported. Video footage circulated showing the wreckage of the helicopter and the three deceased passengers nearby. The helicopter was reportedly delivering logistics to mining areas. The wreckage was discovered approximately 5 km from the takeoff location. The  bodies of the victims were found intact.  They will be transported to the nearest hospital in Weda. Rahman confirmed that weather conditions were favorable during takeoff, but worsened to windy and rainy after flight, leading to the loss of contact. The helicopter, owned by Helicity and contracted by  PT WBN, did not crash due to an explosion. However, the exact cause of the crash is yet to be determined. (mg/inp/pr/nm)