Unexpected Helipad Mishap: President's Helicopter Stuck at Sabarimala Visit

President Droupadi Murmu's helicopter encountered an unexpected obstacle when its wheels got lodged in depressions on an inadequately cured helipad at Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium. Initially planned for Nilackal, the landing was shifted due to weather conditions. The incident required last-minute efforts from police and fire personnel.

President Droupadi Murmu's visit to Sabarimala took an unexpected turn when her helicopter's wheels became stuck in the newly constructed helipad at Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium in Pramadam. The incident occurred on Wednesday morning when the helicopter landed on the freshly concreted helipad.

With the President continuing her journey to Pamba by road, visuals broadcasted on television illustrated the efforts of several police and fire department personnel attempting to extricate the helicopter from the shallow depressions in the concrete.

A senior district police officer revealed that the decision to land at the stadium was made last minute, prompting a rapid establishment of the helipad the night before. Initially planned at Nilackal near Pamba, the landing location was adjusted due to adverse weather conditions.

(With inputs from agencies.)