TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Head of the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) Air Marshal Henri Alfiandi, said the joint SAR team today found the wreckage of the SAM Air (PK-SMW) plane that crashed on Mount Mabualem, in Yahukimo Regency of Papua Pegunungan Province, three days after the evacuation process commenced last Saturday, June 24, 2023.

“At 12:10 WIT (Eastern Indonesian Time), based on information from the field, the PK-SM plane was found burnt and there were no signs of survivors,” Henri said in an official statement, Tuesday, June 27, 2023.

Henri explained that the team is evacuating two body bags. The identity of the bodies is not yet known.

The logistics transport Bell helicopter arrived at Wamena Airport at 09:50 WIT. Basarnas also reported that Wamena has sunny weather today.

The SAR team consisting of 14 people flew using the Caracal military helicopter owned by the Indonesian Air Force, departing from Wamena Airport to the plane's last know position (LKP). The helicopter was piloted by Major Arif and co-pilot First Lieutenant Taufik.

On Friday, June 23, 2023, around 11:10 local time, the Sam Air plane took off from Elelim Airport heading to Piok District. At 12:20, the plane lost contact.

A helicopter was then mobilized from Wamena Airport for checking and found the plane wreckage about 12 kilometers east of Elelim Airport.

The Sam Air plane was carrying 4 passengers, namely Bartolomeus (34), Ebeth Halerohon (29), Dormina Halerohon (17), Kilimputni (20), along with two crew members, namely Pilot Hari Permadi and Copilot Levi Murib.

EKA YUDHA SAPUTRA

Editor's Choice: Police Find Wreckage of SAM Air Plane Crash in Papua Highlands

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News