UAE rescue helicopter crashes after hitting world’s longest zip line in Ras Al Khaimah

A rescue helicopter crashed at around 5.50pm on Saturday in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) killing all four rescue personnel onboard.

The Agusta 139 helicopter was on a rescue mission in the Jebel Jais area when it hit the world’s longest zip line that resulted in the accident.

The helicopter was on a mission to airlift an injured man, but crashed before reaching the man.

The National Search and Rescue Centre said the deceased pilots were Saqr Saeed Mohamed Abdullah Al Yamahi and Hameed Mohamed Obaid Al Zaabi.

It added that navigator Jasim Abdullah Ali Tunaiji and first aid medic Mark Roxburgh too died in the accident.

Eyewitness footage showed the helicopter diving into a tailspin before crashing into the mountain and bursting into flames.

Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, has ordered an immediate investigation into the crash of the rescue helicopter.

The ruler has also ordered a comprehensive investigation into the safety and security arrangements and measures followed in the incident venue to identify the cause behind the crash.

The world’s longest zip line opened in RAK in February starting 1,680m above sea level on top of Jebel Jais mountain where riders can reach speeds of up to 150kph during the 2.93km ride spanning the chasm of the UAE’s largest mountain peak.