Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) told the outlet the Super Puma H225 aircraft was conducting water-bombing operations when it plunged into the river. Video circulating online appeared to show the helicopter hovering over the water before losing altitude and nosediving.
Page and Betterridge were rescued from the river and taken to an Indonesian Air Force hospital for treatment.
BNPB spokesperson Berton Panjaitan said both men were found “in good health” and their families had been contacted.
The accident occurred as Indonesia battles one of its most significant wildfire seasons in years. Forest and peatland fires have burned across parts of Kalimantan, Sumatra and Papua, producing haze that has affected air quality across the region, the BBC reported.
Indonesian authorities said the helicopter had been contracted to support firefighting operations. The aircraft has been moved to the riverbank as investigators work to determine what caused the crash.
Panjaitan said it was too early to speculate on what led to the accident. BNPB said it would support an official investigation and undertake a broader review of aviation safety in firefighting operations.
The crash comes less than a week after another firefighting helicopter went down in Central Kalimantan, killing three Indonesian crew members, according to the BBC. The aircraft was also involved in water-loading operations at the time of the accident.
New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has been contacted for comment.
The crash follows two recent overseas helicopter accidents involving New Zealanders. Earlier this month, a New Zealander was injured in a helicopter collision while landing in Nepal’s Everest region, an accident that killed an Indian national.
In September, New Zealand pilot Greg King died during a wildfire-fighting operation in California’s Yosemite National Park when his helicopter crashed while conducting a water-bombing mission.
