Gujarat: Three killed as Indian Coast Guard chopper crashes in Porbandar during routine sortie (WATCH)

An Indian Coast Guard chopper crash in Gujarat has killed at least three people. 

Porbandar: Tragedy struck at Porbandar airport in Gujarat on Sunday afternoon when an Indian Coast Guard (ICG) helicopter crashed during landing, killing all three crew members on board. The incident occurred at 12:10 pm, according to Porbandar Superintendent of Police Bhagirathsinh Jadeja.

The Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv was attempting to land at the airport when the crash happened. The three crew members were rescued from the wreckage and rushed to a nearby hospital in Porbandar with severe burns. Unfortunately, they succumbed to their injuries, confirmed Kamala Baug police station's inspector Rajesh Kanmiya.

As per visuals, the helicopter crash in an open field as flames and smoke erupted. The reason behind the crash is yet to be ascertained. A couple of years ago, some flaws were identified in the ALH Dhruv, which is used by the defence forces. After this a safety audit of the helicopters was carried out before resuming operations. 

There are over 325 ALH Dhruv operated by Indian Navy, the IAF, the Army and the Coast Guard.  The ICG has been involved in several rescue operations in the past, including a recent incident where an ALH helicopter crashed into the Arabian Sea off the Porbandar coast while on a rescue mission.