SYDNEY, Nov 13 (NNN-XINHUA) – A water bombing helicopter crash-landed, while battling fires in the Australian state of Queensland, injuring the pilot today (Wednesday).
The pilot was treated by paramedics for minor injuries and transferred to a nearby hospital.
Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) received reports at approximately 1:50 p.m. that a water bombing helicopter had a hard landing, in the Pechey state forest area, QAS Senior Operations Supervisor, Mark Hancock, said.
“On scene we found a male patient. The only person on board the helicopter – the pilot, with minor injuries.”
Toowoomba Mayor, Paul Antonio, told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that, the incident was unfortunate and had not hampered broader firefighting efforts.
“We’re very thankful to those skilled pilots, who go out there and help us control the fires when need be, and our thoughts are with all concerned,” he said.
Meanwhile, around 60 fires continued to burn across the state, three with emergency level status, prompting notices for a number of regional communities to evacuate.
Queensland Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, earlier confirmed that 14 homes had been lost in her home state, throughout the recent bushfire crisis, adding to more than 200 properties destroyed, over the past week in neighbouring New South Wales.
“Now is not the time to be complacent. The conditions are of concern to us,” Palaszczuk said.– NNN-XINHUA
