1 dead, 2 hurt as old chopper crashes in Clark

This old helicopter crashed at Clark Freeport Zone in Mabalacat City on Tuesday (Aug. 16), killing its pilot and injuring the two mechanics. (Photo courtesy of Clark Development Corp.)

MABALACAT CITY, Pampanga — A 1973 model helicopter crashed inside Clark Freeport Zone here, killing its pilot and injuring two passengers on Tuesday (Aug. 16) morning, authorities said.

Mayor Crisostomo Garbo identified the fatality as Diosdado Lumandan, while the injured were mechanics Ivan Abiong and Rodley Esogon.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the victims of this unfortunate incident that happened this morning at the Clark Freeport Zone…” the mayor said in a statement on Facebook.

Citing reports from the Clark Development Corporation’s public safety division, Garbo said a technical repair and test flight of the 1973 model MD369HS helicopter was being conducted by Lumandan and the two mechanics when the aircraft crashed in the vicinity of the Nabcor area.

Garbo said he immediately instructed the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office to support the first responders from the Clark Development Corporation as the chopper crashed within the jurisdiction of Mabalacat.

“I offer our deepest condolences to the family of Lumandan during this difficult time, and I send prayers of healing to the two other passengers who were hurt. I call on the Mabalaquenians to pray for the eternal repose of the soul of Lumandan,” the mayor said. INQ

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