A section of a helipad in Pathanamthitta, Kerala, experienced a partial collapse moments after President Droupadi Murmu’s helicopter landed. The incident necessitated immediate assistance from police and fire department personnel to help maneuver the chopper’s wheels out of the compromised area.
President Murmu had arrived at the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium in Pramadam, Pathanamthitta, as part of her visit to attend events in the Sabarimala region. The helipad at the stadium was reportedly prepared at the last minute, late on Tuesday evening, after the original landing site at Nilackal had to be changed due to inclement weather.
According to a senior police official, the hastily constructed helipad’s concrete had not fully cured. This lack of proper setting meant it could not withstand the weight of the helicopter upon landing, leading to the formation of depressions where the wheels made contact.
Following the President’s departure for Pamba via road, authorities were observed helping to extricate the helicopter’s wheels from the soft concrete.