Police confirm identities of Sarawak chopper crash victims

Police in Sarawak have identified all five victims of the Flying Doctor Service helicopter crash that occurred at Long Lellang. The victims, whose remains were taken to Miri Hospital for post-mortem examinations, include pilot Zainol Afiq Bee Sham, medical officer Dr Ainul Baraah Kamaruddin, medical assistant Alexson Adit Henry, and nurses Debra Moset and Jessie Paya Jok.

Their identities were determined based on personal belongings, clothing, and seating positions inside the aircraft. Sarawak Police Commissioner Zainal Abdullah revealed that several witnesses had seen smoke and flames emanating from the helicopter before the crash, and villagers assisted in extinguishing the fire with the fire extinguishers available at the short takeoff and landing airport.

However, the victims were unable to escape. The pilot was believed to have been attempting a safe landing as the helicopter was at the end of the runway when it suddenly caught fire upon touchdown, leaving them no time to evacuate. The helicopter, constructed in 1991, had its last maintenance check on August 24 and was cleared for an additional 100 flight hours.

Police have initiated a sudden death report and are conducting the investigation into the crash's cause under the jurisdiction of the Air Accident Investigation Bureau.