TAWAU: Efforts to clear the fuselage and components of a Royal Malaysian Air Force Nuri helicopter that crash landed at SMK Balung here yesterday will be given top priority.
This, according to a statement from the RMAF, was to ensure that the school's 1,600 students could continue with their studies as soon as possible.
The school, located about 40km from the town, has been cordoned off by the RMAF since yesterday. This morning, several lorries and vehicles had entered the compound carrying more soldiers, apparently preparing for the sweep.
The order to clear the aircraft followed a visit by RMAF Chief General Tan Sri Roslan Saad who also met with the 13 soldiers on board the helicopter.
A board of inquiry was also formed and will be spearheaded by Lt Colonel Mohd Yusri Mohd Khossim together with a pilot, engineer and doctor.
The Nuri helicopter flown by Captain Ahmad Zaim Ahmad Puad, assisted by co pilot Captain Bonie Ivan Ak Disuah, was on a routine training flight when it was forced to make an emergency landing at about 9am.
Also on board were three crew members and nine members of PASKAU or Pasukan Khas Udara, an elite RMAF special operations unit, who were doing winching exercises.
All 13 received treatment for injuries along with 10 students and a cleaner who were also hurt when the aircraft clipped the edge of a roof of a school building before ending up at an open air school hall. A canteen and a laboratory were also damaged.
Later Deputy Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Johari Baharum is expected to visit the site.