Esteemed ranger Fred Hunter believed hurt in Kakadu chopper crash

THREE people — including an esteemed ranger — were airlifted to Royal Darwin Hospital in a serious condition after a helicopter crashed in a remote area of Kakadu National Park

Kakadu National Park ranger Fred Hunter was one of three people believed seriously injured in a chopper crash in Kakdu National Park

THREE people were airlifted to Royal Darwin Hospital in a serious condition after a helicopter crashed in a remote area of Kakadu National Park.

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

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

MORE ON THE KAKADU CRASH

ALL Kakadu helicopters grounded

INJURED man frees himself from crashed chopper and calls for help

CHOPPER crash patient to be transferred interstate

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.

“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.

Kakadu National Park ranger Fred Hunter was one of three people believed seriously injured

“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.”

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

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.

TOP STORIES

PROMINENT developer charged over alleged illegal dumping in Harbour

METAL from mower hits worker in the face

PICTURES: Bikini babe almost becomes croc bait

DON Dale case to go to High Court

CHINESE steel to be used in artificial reef

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

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.

$1 A WEEK for 12 weeks: Australia’s best news subscription deal

“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.