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All Victims Located Following Indonesian Plane Crash Near Mount Bulusaraung
After a week-long search operation, authorities have successfully recovered all individuals aboard the missing Indonesian aircraft that went down in the Mount Bulusaraung region of South Sulawesi province.
Search and Rescue Efforts Conclude
Andi Sultan, representing the National Search and Rescue Agency’s Makassar branch, confirmed to Detik News that the last victim’s remains were retrieved on Friday morning. Earlier in the week, rescue teams had already found eight bodies scattered across the mountainous terrain, with two additional victims discovered during the final phase of the recovery mission.
Details About the Flight and Passengers
The ill-fated ATR 42-500, operated by Indonesia Air Transport, was on a routine surveillance flight monitoring marine and fisheries resources. The aircraft departed from Yogyakarta, destined for Makassar, the capital city of South Sulawesi. Contact was lost on Saturday while flying over the Maros district.
Onboard were ten individuals: seven crew members and three passengers, including officials from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries. The ministry personnel were conducting an aerial inspection of the region’s natural assets.
Identification and Recovery Progress
To date, two victims have been positively identified: cabin crew member Florencia Lolita and passenger Deden Maulana. The discovery of the plane’s wreckage occurred on Sunday, shortly after the disappearance was reported. Subsequently, the black box was retrieved by the combined search and rescue teams, providing crucial data for the ongoing investigation.
Context and Current Aviation Safety Measures
Indonesia has faced several aviation challenges in recent years, prompting enhanced safety protocols and improved search and rescue capabilities. According to the Indonesian Directorate General of Civil Aviation, the country has seen a 15% reduction in aviation incidents over the past two years, reflecting ongoing efforts to bolster flight safety in complex terrains like Sulawesi.
This tragic event underscores the importance of continuous advancements in aviation monitoring and emergency response, especially in regions with challenging geography.
