Minister escapes unhurt as copter makes emergency landing

Ranchi, Apr 27 (UNI) Jharkhand Education Minister Bandhu Tirkey had a miraculous escape when the helicopter he was travelling in made an emergency landing following a technical snag at Alak Pathar village, about 60 km from Dumka district today.

''Mr Tirkey and three other passengers escaped unhurt but the pilot and co-pilot sustained minor injuries,'' Deputy Commisioner Mastram Meena told UNI over phone.

The minister was scheduled to address a meeting at a school in the locality, the DC said, adding just before landing, the copter developed a technical snag forcing an emergency landing at about 1015 hours.

The aircraft suffered some damage as the area where it forcelanded was rugged.

After the meeting in that area, the minister was scheduled to attend another meeting at Nala in Jamtara.

UNI