Chopper crash patient transferred to Melbourne

UPDATED > A SERIOUSLY injured man who was flown to Royal Darwin Hospital after a helicopter crashed in a remote area of Kakadu National Park has now been transferred interstate for specialist treatment

A SERIOUSLY injured man who was flown to Royal Darwin Hospital after a helicopter crashed in a remote area of Kakadu National Park has now been transferred interstate for specialist treatment.

A Top End Health spokeswoman said he was picked up from RDH about 7am this morning, and would be taken to The Alfred Hospital.

“Two patients remain in Royal Darwin Hospital. At this point neither will be sent interstate,” she said.

Another man is currently being assessed in the emergency department at RDH and a third is in a stable condition.

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Initial reports indicated the crash occurred 111km south west of Jabiru just after 10am Tuesday.

The three passengers aboard the Jayrow helicopter were taking part in an aerial feral animal cull in the park.

Kakadu National Park ranger Fred Hunter was seriously hurt in the helicopter crash. Picture: Facebook. Art: Louis Marquez

One of those on board in the crash is believed to be esteemed Kakadu National Park ranger Fred Hunter.

In a post on Facebook Mr Hunter’s brother-in-law said he believed the injuries sustained included broken bones.

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“Hi family and friends … I’m afraid my bro in law Fred Hunter has gone down in this incident,” read the post from Andy Ralph. “All three occupants conducting the Parks Feral Shoot (shooter, spotter, pilot) all (sic) Medevaced to RDH. Injuries include broken bones apparently … let’s hope the rest of them OK.”

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Two passengers were Kakadu National Park staff members and one an external contractor, a Parks Australia spokesman said.

Details throughout the day remained scarce and subject to change, with early reports indicating the passengers were in a stable condition after the Bell Jetranger helicopter crashed.

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Initial reports from St John Ambulance suggested all three passengers were believed to be in a stable condition after they were winched from the helicopter to safety. But by 4pm CareFlight confirmed all were in a serious condition.

The three passengers arrived in Darwin at different times after the first passenger winched to safety arrived at RDH about 3pm.

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Details are not yet known regarding the nature of the crash or feral animal culling activities. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau said it was waiting on further details before deciding on an investigation into the crash.

“A collision with terrain and a Bell Jetranger has been reported to the ATSB and we are currently gathering further information ahead of making a decision,” a spokesman said.