President Murmu's helicopter briefly sinks into wet concrete at Kerala helipad.
During President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to Sabarimala, an Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopter encountered a brief but concerning incident when its wheels sank into wet concrete at a hastily constructed temporary helipad in Pramadam, Kerala. This occurred shortly after the President disembarked, prompting approximately 30 police personnel to assist in extracting the aircraft from the depression created by the soft surface. Kerala’s Director General of Police clarified that the helicopter landed about five feet from the designated spot, which had not fully dried, and asserted that there was no security lapse. The decision to land at Pramadam instead of the original location at Nilakkal was made due to inclement weather. This incident highlights the need for meticulous planning and execution in security operations, particularly concerning the transportation of high-profile officials. The quick construction of the helipad, which took place merely 12 hours prior to the landing, raises questions regarding the adequacy of pre-visit assessments and contingency planning. Authorities are expected to conduct a thorough review, ensuring that lessons are learned to prevent similar occurrences in the future, thereby enhancing the overall safety protocols for executive transport in India.
