Context:

A firefighting helicopter crashed into a river in South Kalimantan, killing an Indonesian crew member while two foreign nationals, an Australian and a New Zealander, were rescued and hospitalized. The mission occurred amid a broader Indonesian wildfire crisis driven by a dry season and El Niño, with investigations ongoing and the operation potentially continuing. The incident follows a recent similar crash elsewhere in Kalimantan and highlights the challenges of combating widespread fires and the resulting toxic haze affecting the region and neighbors. Authorities also received international assistance as part of the response.

Dive Deeper:

• The helicopter, a Super Puma H-225 contracted for firefighting, crashed into a river during a water-dumping operation using a collapsible bucket.

• One Indonesian crew member died, while the Australian and New Zealander on board were rescued and transported to hospital for treatment.

• Video footage circulated showing the craft hovering over the river before its nosedive, followed by rescuers reaching the partially submerged helicopter by boat.

• Investigations are underway, and officials said firefighting operations could continue as they assess the cause of the crash.

• The broader wildfire situation across Indonesia is driven by a dry season intensified by El Niño, producing toxic haze over Kalimantan and Sumatra and affecting regional air quality.

• This incident occurred shortly after another helicopter crash in central Kalimantan that killed three crew members, with authorities retrieving a black box to aid inquiries.

• Foreign aid, including aircraft and personnel from Australia, has been deployed to support firefighting and response efforts.