- A Kenya Forest Service helicopter carrying 5 people, including Environment PS Festus Ng'eno, crashed at Kericho Golf Club
- Emergency responders were filmed spraying water on the wreckage, prompting questions about the response procedures
- TUKO.co.ke shares an explanation of the key hazards that emergency teams were trying to manage at the crash scene
Images of emergency responders spraying water on the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) helicopter that crashed at Kericho Golf Club on Monday, October 12, have drawn attention to an important part of aircraft emergency response.
Source: Facebook
The helicopter, which had five occupants, including Environment Principal Secretary Festus Ng’eno, crashed during take-off.
All five occupants survived and were rushed to the hospital in stable condition, according to the available incident report.
But why did emergency teams spray water on the wreckage after the crash? TUKO.co.ke shares an explanation of the reasons behind the procedure.
1. Preventing a fire from breaking out
Helicopters carry aviation fuel, which can ignite if it comes into contact with an ignition source. A crash can damage fuel lines or cause leaks, increasing the risk of fire around the aircraft.
Emergency responders may use water or firefighting foam, depending on the circumstances, to manage fire hazards and protect survivors and rescue personnel.
2. Cooling hot components
Aircraft engines and other mechanical components can remain extremely hot after operation. Following a crash, residual heat may pose an additional hazard, particularly if flammable materials or leaking fuel are present.
Emergency teams assess the situation and use appropriate cooling or firefighting measures where necessary.
3. Protecting survivors and rescue personnel
A damaged helicopter can present several hazards, including leaking fuel, sharp metal, hot components and the possibility of fire.
Managing these risks helps create safer conditions for emergency teams to reach occupants, provide assistance and evacuate them from the wreckage.
4. Managing fire hazards around the wreckage
Fuel vapours can ignite under certain conditions when they encounter an ignition source. Firefighters therefore assess the wreckage and surrounding area for signs of fuel leakage and other potential dangers.
The response depends on the specific conditions at the scene and the equipment available.
5. Preparing the scene for further assessment
Once occupants have been rescued and immediate hazards addressed, authorities can secure the crash site for further examination.
Investigators may need to document the wreckage, assess the condition of the aircraft and establish what led to the incident.
However, the reason water was used at Kericho Golf Club has not been independently confirmed.
It would therefore be premature to conclude that responders were specifically cooling the wreckage, suppressing a fuel fire or addressing another particular hazard without confirmation from the emergency teams.
No Fatalities Reported
The crash involving the KFS helicopter has raised questions about what happened during take-off and the measures taken to protect those on board.
Rift Valley Regional Police Commander Samwel Ndanyi disclosed that the aircraft, registration number 5Y-FSK, was carrying five occupants when the incident occurred.
He confirmed that no fatalities were reported. Investigations will be important in establishing the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Source: TUKO.co.ke