Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis had a narrow escape this afternoon after his helicopter crash-landed in Latur minutes after take-off. Mr Fadnavis said he and other people on board were safe because of the “blessings of 11 crore people of Maharashtra”.
Officials quoted that the accident could have been worse, and it’s a “miracle” that no one got hurt.
Fadnavis was touring the state to review the progress of the various water and housing schemes in the state. He was in the chopper along with three more passengers and two crew members.
“Our helicopter did meet with an accident in Latur but me and my team is absolutely safe and ok”, he said.
He tweeted right after landing. In a video message, he also thanked the people and said, “With the blessings of the people and God nothing happened to me…I request you to keep blessing me.”
Our helicopter did meet with an accident in Latur but me and my team is absolutely safe and ok.
Nothing to worry.— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) May 25, 2017
Wi
th the blessings of people of Maharashtra and Nation, I’m safe.
My team is fine too.
Please do not believe any rumours. pic.twitter.com/4B7OUmD0ss— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) May 25, 2017
He told the media that the plane landed due to technical problems.
“When the helicopter took off, there was an emergency landing, an accident, but we are safe,” the Chief Minister said.
As the chopper is six to seven years old, Mr Fadnavis said that there would definitely be an enquiry.
Sources in the Directorate General of Civil Aviation said, “After take-off, the pilot found variable wind pattern and decided to land. During landing, the helicopter got entangled in wires. The helicopter has sustained substantial damage.”
Union Minister Suresh Prabhu also tweeted on the incident.
Shocked to hear about accident to Helicopter of @Dev_Fadnavis but glad to know he’s is safe Wishing him the best
— Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) May 25, 2017
