9-9-2024 (JAKARTA) In a heart-stopping incident that unfolded in Indonesia’s eastern region of Papua, a passenger aircraft carrying 48 individuals veered off the runway during takeoff on Monday morning, leaving several passengers injured but, miraculously, all alive.
The ATR-42 aircraft, operated by Trigana Air, was embarking on a domestic flight from the remote Yapen Islands regency to Jayapura, the capital of Papua, when the alarming event occurred. The flight manifest included 42 passengers, among them an infant, along with six crew members.
Local police chief Ardyan Ukie Hercahyo expressed relief in a statement, saying, “Praise God everybody survived and has been taken to a hospital for a health checkup.” He added that an investigation into the incident is underway, with authorities “coordinating with related parties to ensure this will never happen again.”
The local search and rescue agency reported that while some passengers sustained injuries, many were also left traumatised by the harrowing experience. The extent of the injuries has not been disclosed at this time.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced in Indonesia’s aviation sector, particularly in the mountainous terrain of Papua. The region is notorious for its difficult flying conditions, often exacerbated by unpredictable weather patterns.
Indonesia, an archipelagic nation comprising thousands of islands, heavily relies on air travel for connectivity. However, Papua has long been recognised as one of the most challenging areas to access by air. The region’s aviation history is marred by tragedy, with a notable incident in 2015 when another Trigana Air plane crashed, claiming the lives of all 54 individuals on board.
