Pontianak. Search and rescue teams late Thursday located the wreckage of an Airbus H130 helicopter operated by Matthew Air that crashed in a forested area of Sekadau regency, West Kalimantan, with eight people on board.

However, evacuation efforts were postponed until Friday due to difficult terrain and poor visibility.

“The team has reached the helicopter crash site. However, because of darkness and steep terrain, evacuation is not possible tonight,” Sugiyanto, an official with Sekadau Police, was quoted as saying by Antara.

He said the search operation involved a joint team comprising the Indonesian military, the National Search and Rescue Agency, police, forest rangers, firefighters, and volunteers.

Rescuers decided to set up camp about 50 meters from the crash site and remain overnight while waiting for better conditions in the morning.

“We are camping on the hill. Tomorrow morning, evacuation will begin using equipment that is now being sent to the location,” Sugiyanto said.

He did not confirm whether any victims had been found at the scene.

The helicopter, registered PK-CFX, was carrying eight people: pilot Marindra W, co-pilot Harun Arasyd, and six passengers whose identities have not yet been released.

According to authorities, the aircraft departed from Melawi regency at 7:34 a.m. local time and was reported missing after losing contact at 8:39 a.m.

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