Kochi, Kerala | Oct 22, 2025:
President Droupadi Murmu had a narrow escape on Tuesday after the helicopter she landed in lurched to one side when the helipad beneath it buckled slightly at the Pramadham Stadium in Kochi.
According to eyewitnesses, the moment the helicopter touched down, the *temporary helipad structure sagged, causing the chopper to *tilt unexpectedly. Security personnel, police, and firefighters rushed to stabilize the aircraft immediately, ensuring the President’s safety.
Authorities confirmed that President Murmu was unharmed and safely escorted from the helicopter within seconds of the incident. The helicopter was then moved aside by emergency teams to prevent further risk.
Officials said the buckling of the helipad might have occurred due to soft ground or an uneven base beneath the temporary setup. A detailed inspection has been ordered to determine the exact cause and to ensure such an incident does not recur.
Local authorities and the Indian Air Force are jointly reviewing the landing zone arrangements. A senior official stated that a safety audit of all presidential landing sites across Kerala would follow this incident.
President Murmu was in Kochi to attend a series of official programs, including cultural and educational events. The rest of her schedule continued as planned after the incident.
Key Takeaways
- President Droupadi Murmu narrowly escaped an accident during a helicopter landing in Kochi.
- The helipad buckled, causing the helicopter to lurch to one side.
- Police and firefighters acted swiftly to stabilize the situation.
- No injuries were reported; the President was safely escorted away.
- An investigation has been launched into the helipad’s structural failure.