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Helicopter crashes into oil rig, killing 7
by Tina Kells | September 4, 2008 at 01:41 pm | 415 views | 3 comments | 10 recommendations
A helicopter has crashed into an oil rig off the coast of Dubai, killing all on board and igniting a fire. The chopper was carrying foreign contractors from the rig when it struck the deck of the rig during takeoff. Seven people from six different countries perished in the accident.
The Bell 212 helicopter crashed at 20:23 on Wednesday, according to the Emirates' Civil Aviation Authority. It was carrying workers to a recently installed jackup rig owned by AP Moller-Maersk A/S but operated by oilfield service provider Petrofac Ltd on behalf of Dubai Petroleum Co, the companies said.
A fire broke out shortly after the crash on the main deck of the rig, which is located in the Rashid field about 70km off shore. Petrofac and Dubai Petroleum said the blaze was quickly extinguished but that all operations in the Rashid field have been halted.
Olly Scott, a spokesperson for the oil company has said it is unclear when the rig will be back on line but has declined further comment. The dead hail from the United States, United Kingdom, Venezuela, Pakistan, India, and the Phillippines. Families have yet to be notified.
September 4, 2008 at 01:41 pm by Tina Kells, 415 views, 3 comments
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craigwright76
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (3)
at 13:41 on September 4th, 2008
I think this is an important story and would benefit from other NowPublic contributors working on it. I've flagged it as News Wanted and invite others in relevant locations to look for more evidence.
at 02:10 on September 5th, 2008
Tina Kells, I like this story. It's good stuff.
at 17:40 on September 5th, 2008
Where did the photos come from? they don't seem to be related to an oil rig or a helicopter crash.