Part of helipad collapses as President Droupadi Murmu's chopper lands in Kerala | Watch
A section of the helipad tarmac at Pramadam Stadium in Kerala sank on Wednesday as a helicopter carrying President Droupadi Murmu landed. The mishap happened while she was on her way to the state to offer prayers at the Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala.
A dramatic incident unfolded at Pramadam Stadium in Kerala when a portion of the helipad collapsed as President Droupadi Murmu's helicopter landed. The video of the incident, which has gone viral on social media, shows people rushing to the aircraft and manually pushing it to free the wheels from the sunken section.
Incident Details
"The concrete had not set completely and, therefore, it could not handle the helicopter's weight when it landed, and depressions were formed where the wheels touched the ground."
- Police Officer on the incident
The wheels of the aircraft got stuck in a small depression on the newly concreted surface. Police and fire department personnel, present at the site, immediately rushed to the spot and pushed the aircraft out of the sunken area.
A senior police officer told PTI that the stadium was chosen at the last minute as the landing spot for the President's helicopter. Because of this, the helipad had to be set up very quickly, and it was only created late on Tuesday, just a day before the landing.
Timeline of Events
Tuesday Evening - Helipad Construction
The helipad was constructed at Pramadam Stadium as a last-minute alternative to the original landing site at Nilackal near Pamba due to harsh weather conditions.
Wednesday - President's Arrival
President Droupadi Murmu arrives in Kerala for her four-day visit, with plans to offer prayers at the Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala.
Helicopter Landing - Incident Occurs
As the helicopter lands, the newly laid concrete gives way under the aircraft's weight, causing the wheels to sink into the tarmac.
Immediate Response
Police and fire department personnel rush to the scene and manually push the helicopter to free it from the sunken area.
Viral Video
The incident is captured on video and goes viral on social media, showing the dramatic rescue operation.
President Murmu's Kerala Visit
President Murmu is on a four-day visit to Kerala. Instead of dipping in the river at Pampa, the President will wash her feet as part of the customary cleansing ritual.
Visit Schedule:
- • Travel to the Sannidhanam after preparing the irumudi in a ceremony at the Ganapathy Temple
- • Reveal a bust of former President K R Narayanan at Raj Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram
- • Inaugurate the observance of the Mahasamadhi Centenary of Sree Narayana Guru at Sivagiri Mutt, Varkala
- • Attend the valedictory function of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of St Thomas College, Palai
Technical Analysis of the Incident
Root Cause
- • Insufficient Curing Time: Concrete was laid only 24 hours before landing
- • Weight Distribution: Helicopter's concentrated weight on landing gear
- • Weather Conditions: Harsh weather forced last-minute venue change
- • Time Constraint: Rushed construction due to schedule changes
Safety Measures
- • Quick Response: Emergency personnel immediately on scene
- • Manual Intervention: Personnel pushed aircraft to safety
- • No Injuries: No casualties reported in the incident
- • Continuation: President's schedule proceeded as planned
Social Media Response
The incident quickly gained attention on social media platforms, with the video being shared widely. The dramatic footage of personnel pushing the helicopter has sparked discussions about infrastructure preparedness and emergency response protocols.
Key Points from Social Media:
- • Video shows the immediate response of security personnel
- • Discussion about infrastructure planning for VVIP visits
- • Appreciation for the quick action of emergency responders
- • Questions raised about last-minute venue changes
Security and Protocol Analysis
Protocol Considerations
- • VVIP security protocols require stable landing surfaces
- • Last-minute venue changes pose additional risks
- • Emergency response teams must be prepared for various scenarios
- • Weather conditions can significantly impact landing safety
Lessons Learned
- • Adequate curing time essential for concrete surfaces
- • Alternative landing sites should be pre-prepared
- • Emergency response protocols worked effectively
- • Quick thinking and manual intervention can resolve crises
Historical Context
This incident highlights the challenges faced in organizing high-profile visits, especially when weather conditions force last-minute changes. The successful resolution of the situation demonstrates the importance of having well-trained emergency response teams and flexible protocols.
Similar incidents have occurred in the past during VVIP visits, though most are resolved without major consequences. The key is having trained personnel who can respond quickly and effectively to unexpected situations.
Conclusion
While the helipad collapse was an unfortunate incident, the quick response of the security personnel and emergency responders ensured that no one was injured and the President's schedule could continue as planned. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of proper infrastructure planning and the need for flexible emergency response protocols.
The viral video of the incident has brought attention to the dedication and quick thinking of the security personnel who worked to resolve the situation safely and efficiently.
Source: This article is based on reports from CNBC TV18 and other news agencies covering the incident involving President Droupadi Murmu's helicopter landing in Kerala on October 22, 2025.
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