Thai Black Hawk Helicopter Crashes, Southern Army Chief, 6 Others Hurt

A Black Hawk helicopter operated by the Royal Thai Army (RTA) crashed into a tree in Thepha district of Songkhla on Friday morning.

Col Pramote Prom-in, 4th Army spokesman, was quoted as saying by the Bangkok Post that the helicopter developed engine trouble around 9am after it departed from Senanarong military camp in Hat Yai district of Songkhla. It was en route to Sirindhorn camp in Pattani's Yarang district. All seven onboard, including Lt Gen Kriangkrai Srirak, the commander of the 4th Army region, were injured.

The pilot made an emergency landing in Thepha after the engine developed trouble.

The Black Hawk has been in service for 17 years. An inquiry has been set up into the cause of the crash.