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This is the unusual moment when the Indian president's helicopter became stuck on a newly constructed helipad due to freshly poured concrete.
Footage reveals emergency services attempting to push the Indian Air Force's Mi-17 helicopter after its wheels sank into the unset concrete.
Emergency services were seen pushing the Indian Air Force's Mi-17 helicopter after its wheels sankCredit: ANI
The helicopter was transporting India’s President Droupadi MurmuCredit: AFP
They successfully maneuvered the helicopter away from the sunken area of the helipad manually.
According to reports from Indian media, this was a temporary helipad that was prepared overnight to accommodate President Droupadi Murmu.
Her helicopter was redirected from its original destination due to adverse weather conditions.
Just hours before her scheduled landing, fresh concrete was poured, but it did not harden in time.
An official acquainted with the situation informed NDTV: “The concrete had not fully set, and therefore, it could not support the helicopter's weight upon landing.
“Depressions formed where the wheels made contact with the ground.”
This unusual occurrence took place during President Murmu's four-day visit to the southern Indian state of Kerala.
She was set to offer prayers at the Sabarimala temple following her arrival.
Authorities confirmed that the helicopter was later moved to a safe location and that no injuries were reported.
President Murmu made history by becoming India’s first-ever president from an ethnic minority group.
She is a member of the Santal ethnic minority, one of India’s largest tribal communities.
As a leader of India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), she is only the second woman to be elected as the president of the country.
Murmu began her career as a school teacher before quickly entering politics and joining the BJP, which is led by the country’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In India, the president serves as the nominal head of the executive, the first citizen of the country, and the supreme commander of the Indian Armed Forces.
While the role is largely ceremonial, only the president can declare war or conclude peace, based on the advice of the Union Council of Ministers led by the prime minister.
The position also holds significance during times of political instability, such as a hung parliament, when the presidential office assumes greater authority, often referred to as presidential rule.
The helicopter landed on a temporary helipad that was constructed overnight for President Droupadi MurmuCredit: ANI
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened with President Droupadi Murmu's helicopter?
The helicopter became stuck on a newly constructed helipad due to freshly poured concrete that had not set properly, causing the wheels to sink.
Was anyone injured during the incident?
No injuries were reported during the incident, and the helicopter was later moved to safety.
Who is Droupadi Murmu?
Droupadi Murmu is the first president of India from an ethnic minority group and a member of the Santal community. She is also the second woman to hold the office of president in India.
