{
  "id": 18906723,
  "title": "Three survive helicopter plunge into river during Indonesia wildfire-fighting mission",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/three-survive-helicopter-plunge-into-river-during-indonesia-wildfire",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-08T09:18:30.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2026/11/08/wildfire-fighting-helicopter-crashes-in-indonesia-as-crew-scoops-water-from-river/242482"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "JAKARTA, Nov 8 — Three crew members survived a helicopter crash into the Barito River in Indonesia while carrying out aerial firefighting duties, according to the National Disaster Management Agency. The Eurocopter EC225LP Super Puma helicopter came down near South Kalimantan province after reportedly losing control during water-bombing operations. Amateur video footage captured the helicopter struggling to maintain control after collecting water using a Bambi Bucket. The three crew members, an Australian, a New Zealander, and an Indonesian national, were all evacuated and the aircraft was moved to the riverbank. The helicopter, registered VH-HGM and numbered 2878, was contracted to the National Disaster Management Agency for firefighting support. A comprehensive report on the crash's circumstances will be compiled for public and official review. This incident follows a similar crash on Nov 4, when an Indonesian Army Mi-17V5 helicopter also crashed during a water-bombing operation, resulting in three deaths and five injuries.",
  "summary": "JAKARTA, Nov 8 — All three crew members aboard a helicopter deployed for aerial firefighting operations narrowly e...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}