Watch: Dramatic Moment Helipad Sinks Under President Murmu's Chopper in Kerala

A part of a newly built helipad in Kerala's Pramadam developed deep depressions soon after President Droupadi Murmu's helicopter landed there on Wednesday during her visit to the Sabarimala temple. The unexpected incident occurred shortly after the President's chopper, an Indian Air Force Mi-17, touched down on the freshly concreted surface.

Helipad Surface Gives Way During Landing

Following President Murmu's departure by road to Pamba, the foothills of Sabarimala, police officers and fire personnel were seen struggling to move the helicopter as its wheels had sunk slightly into the soft tarmac at the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium in Pramadam.

According to a senior police officer, Pramadam was selected as the landing site at the last moment after the original plan to land at Nilackal was changed due to unfavorable weather. "The concrete had not set completely, and therefore, it could not handle the helicopter's weight when it landed, and depressions were formed where the wheels touched the ground," the officer said.

The helipad was prepared hastily late on Tuesday to accommodate the President's visit, which likely contributed to the issue.

President's Visit to Sabarimala Temple

President Murmu, who arrived in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday evening for a four-day official tour of Kerala, offered prayers at the Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala on Wednesday.

She became the first woman head of state to visit the revered shrine and only the second President of India to do so after VV Giri's visit in the 1970s.

After completing her darshan at Sabarimala, the President is scheduled to return to Thiruvananthapuram later in the day.

Busy Schedule Across Kerala

On Thursday, President Murmu will unveil a bust of former President KR Narayanan at the Raj Bhavan. She will also inaugurate the Mahasamadhi Centenary celebrations of Sree Narayana Guru at the Sivagiri Mutt in Varkala and attend the closing ceremony of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of St Thomas College in Pala, Kottayam.

Her official tour will conclude on October 24 with her participation in the centenary celebrations of St Teresa's College in Ernakulam.