Three Thai Police Killed In Helicopter Crash

By WILAWAN WATCHARASAKWET

BANGKOK, May 24 (Bernama) -- Three Royal Thai Police officers tragically lost their lives after their helicopter crashed on Saturday in Mueang District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province.

The police helicopter, a BELL 212 model, went down around 1 pm local time in a green field within a village in the district.

National Police Chief Pol Gen Kittirat Panpet confirmed the incident and expressed profound condolences over the tragedy.

"A Royal Thai Police BELL 212 helicopter crashed in Mueang District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. Initial reports confirm the deaths of three police officers," he said in a statement on Saturday.

Kittirat added that an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the crash.

He further instructed all relevant units to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident thoroughly and to provide full support and assistance to the bereaved families.

"On behalf of the Royal Thai Police, I extend my deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the families of those who perished in this tragic incident," he said.

The tragedy comes just weeks after another aviation accident involving the police.

On April 25, a small police aircraft crashed into the sea near Hua Hin Airport, resulting in the deaths of all six officers on board.

-- BERNAMA