Chopper crashes in Irian Jaya

WAMENA, Irian Jaya: A joint search and rescue team on Monday successfully evacuated six crew members and one passenger of a Russian helicopter which crashed in Keluluma, Wamena regency, Irian Jaya, last Friday.

Only two of the men lost consciousness, while others sustained minor injuries, Antara reported on Monday.

Later in the day, all of the victims were flown to Wamena, the capital of Jayawijaya regency for further medical treatment.

Capt. Anatoly Vladimir, the pilot of the ill-fated helicopter, was evacuated at 4:45 p.m. aboard an Army helicopter piloted by captain Maj Herru S.

He was later flown to Wamena from Keluluma village where he was found by local people and a team of the Jayawijaya Military Command.

Co-pilot Sergei and the other crew members were evacuated by a search and rescue team of the Mobile Brigade aboard a Kamov helicopter piloted by Capt. Alexander at 5 p.m.

They are expected to be flown to Jakarta on Tuesday for further medical treatment.

The helicopter was chartered by the Indonesian government to bring food relief to isolated Irian Jaya jungle areas.

It was carrying three tons of rice for drought victims in Mulia, the capital of Puncak Jaya regency, when it crashed.