Blustery conditions force medevac helicopter to make emergency landing at Lambir plant

MIRI (Aug 29): Severe weather conditions here yesterday forced a medical evacuation (medevac) helicopter to make an emergency landing at the Lambir Water Treatment Plant.

The helicopter was transporting a patient from Long Jeeh Health Clinic in Baram and was just minutes from landing at Miri Hospital’s helipad when the pilot decided to make the emergency landing as the aircraft had encountered blustery winds during the approach.

Miri Division Health officer Dr P Raviwharmman Packierisamy confirmed that the aircraft encountered strong winds and heavy rain during the flight here, said a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) report.

An ambulance from Miri Hospital was subsequently deployed to the landing site to transfer the patient to the hospital.

“There were no injuries or accidents involving health personnel or the patient following this emergency landing,” he stated.

The Miri Meteorological Office reported that the incident was caused by a squall line – a group of storms arranged in a line, often accompanied by “squalls” of high wind and heavy rain – that suddenly moved from the ocean to land.

A thunderstorm warning was issued and a special aviation weather report (SPECI) was sent to the air traffic control (ATC) tower following the occurrence of gusty winds reaching speeds of 32 knots (60km/h).

The Ministry of Health’s critical flying doctor service helps to transport seriously ill patients from remote areas in Sarawak to major hospitals such as Miri.