10 Nov 2013

13 killed in Borneo helicopter crash

5:57 am on 10 November 2013

Thirteen people died when an Indonesian army helicopter carrying construction workers to build a military outpost crashed in the jungles of Borneo.

The helicopter was carrying eight crew, 13 construction workers and materials when it appeared to suffer engine trouble and fell from the sky.

Military spokesman Iskandar Sitompul said the Russian-made, Mi-17 aircraft was completely burnt out following the accident in a remote part of Malinau district, North Kalimantan province.

AFP reports the area near the Malaysian border is so remote it can be reached only by helicopter.