Khon Kaen – An AH 355 helicopter carrying a Channel 7 news team has crashed in Chonnabot District, Khon Kaen province, killing all 4 people on board.
Khon Kaen Governor Somsak Jangtrakul traveled to Ban Hu Ling Community to inspect the crash site. The incident is believed to have been caused by poor weather conditions.
The governor expressed his condolences to family members of the news team that was sent to Khon Kaen earlier to cover a flood story. An investigation is now underway to determine the cause of the accident.
Family members of the deceased are expected to be compensated by the Office of Insurance Commission. Channel 7 rented the AH 355 helicopter to assist the news team in their regional news coverage.
The helicopter was traveling from Saraburi province prior to the accident. It was expected to arrive at Khon Kaen Airport where other members of the team were waiting.
In another story, Sergeant Major First Class Chatchanan Kuenkaew, the only survivor of an army helicopter crash on July 5, has succumbed to a blood infection. His helicopter was flying near the Thai-Myanmar border in Mae Hong Son when it crashed and killed 3 people on board.
The Royal Thai Army expressed condolences to his family who will receive 1.8 million baht in compensation. The late Sergeant Major First Class Chatchanan will be posthumously promoted to Lieutenant Colonel.
