J'khand CM, 5 others escape with injuries in chopper crash

The 44-year-old Munda suffered multiple injuries including on his shoulder and ankle and was in the ICU of Apollo Hospital here, but doctors termed his condition as stable and said he out of danger.

All the six persons were conscious and able to talk coherently, they said.

The chief minister was headed for Kuchai in Sareikela- Kharsawan district to inaugurate a power sub-station but could not land there because of a technical problem and was returning to the airport when the mishap took place.

"At present he (Munda) is stable and out of danger," Apollo Hospital Superintendent P D Sinha told PTI.

Neuro surgeon Sanjay Kumar said there is no need for any immediate surgery on any patient as CT scan reports are found normal.

Pilots Vipul Kumar Singh and G P S Kaushik had some external injuries, he said, adding doctors are investigating whether Munda and his wife suffered any internal wounds.

"The helicopter crash landed from a height of 20-25 feet at the Birsa Munda Airport here," DGP G S Rath said. The mishap occurred at 12.30 pm.

Security officer Manoj Singh and BJP MLA Barkuanr Gagrai were also on board the twin-engined Agusta AW 109 helicopter.

According to preliminary probe reports, the radar appeared to have malfunctioned which had led to problems in the helicopter landing at Kuchai, sources said in Delhi.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh expressed concern over the incident and wished all a speedy recovery.

"The Prime Minister expresses concern over Chief Minister Munda and Mrs Munda being injured in helicopter mishap. The Prime Minister wishes both of them a speedy recovery," the PMO said in Delhi. (MORE)