Three individuals are in critical condition following an emergency helicopter landing during a sightseeing flight in Plaine-des-Cafres, Réunion. Among them, one person is reported to be in a life-threatening situation after the Écureuil H125 helicopter, operated by Mafate Hélicoptères, was compelled to land urgently earlier today.
Despite adverse weather conditions, the Peloton de Gendarmerie de Haute Montagne (PGHM), a specialized French police unit overseeing search and rescue missions, successfully conducted a rescue operation to assist the injured individuals.
At the time of the incident, a total of seven individuals, including the pilot and six passengers, were on board the helicopter. Emergency services swiftly responded, establishing a field hospital near the landing site. Subsequently, all individuals were evacuated to Saint-Pierre, a coastal town on the island.
According to a statement by the co-director of Mafate Hélicoptères cited by franceinfo, the pilot skillfully managed the landing under challenging circumstances as the helicopter was conducting a tourist flight. The cost of these flights ranges from £177 to £300.
Various emergency services, including the police, fire and rescue teams, and ambulance services (SDIS), promptly arrived at the scene despite the unfavorable weather conditions, as confirmed by state officials.
Reports from local sources mentioned that passengers not in critical condition sustained injuries such as broken ribs and back injuries.
An investigation has been initiated to ascertain the cause of the incident.
Réunion, a French overseas department and region situated in the Indian Ocean east of Madagascar, is inhabited by approximately 910,000 residents.
