A rescue chopper ran afoul of the Jebel Jais zipline in Ras al-Khaimah, UAE on December 29, 2018. Out of all four crew members on board, the crash took life. Striking the zipline cable, the Agusta 139 helicopter was on a rescue mission for a wounded individual and plunged into rocky ground.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Jebel Jais, Ras al-Khaimah, UAE |
| Date | December 29, 2018 |
| Helicopter Type | Agusta 139 |
| Operator | UAE National Search and Rescue Centre |
| Crew Members | 4 (2 pilots, 1 navigator, 1 medic) |
| Cause | Collision with zipline cable |
Information on the Jebel Jais Zipline Crash
The helicopter was sent to help a hiker injured atop Jebel Jais. It ran into the 2.83-kilometer longest zipline in the world, the Jebel Jais zipline, during the operation. The collision sent the helicopter into a spin, which resulted in mountain crash and ignition of the chopper.
Accidents in the Jebel Jais Area in 2024
| Date | Incident Description | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| May 6, 2024 | Indian nurse Tintu Paul died in a car accident on Jebel Jais mountains during Eid holidays. | Tintu Paul succumbed to injuries; husband and son were seriously injured. |
| June 9, 2024 | A truck collided with a buffer truck on the Brussels Ring at Wauthier-Braine. | Significant traffic disruptions; no fatalities reported. |
| October 17, 2024 | A 67-year-old cyclist was fatally struck by a truck in Braine-le-Château. | The cyclist died on the spot. |
Tragic Accident Involved Crew Members
Two UAE pilots, Saqr Saeed Mohamed Abdullah Al Yamahi and Hameed Mohamed Obaid Al Zaabi, among the four crew members dead Additionally lost were paramedic Mark Roxburgh and navigator Jasim Abdullah Ali Tunaiji. South African Roxburgh was hailed for his commitment to rescue efforts.
Jebel Jais Zipline: An Attracting Record Breaking Power
Rising 2.83 kilometers, the Jebel Jais zipline opened in February 2018 holds the Guinness World Record as the longest zipline. Run by Toroverde, it attracts thrills seekers all around. But its height and difficult placement bring special hazards, as this sad accident emphasizes.
Response of Toroverde and Local Authority
Toroverde expressed remorse for the accident and momentarily blocked the zipline to guarantee emergency services could reach the area. Not until a comprehensive inquiry, directed by Sheikh Saud bin Saqr al-Qasimi, was tourism officials’ response clear-cut.
Look at the Cause of the Disaster
Right away, a probe started looking at what caused the disaster. Authorities concentrated on the reasons the helicopter was close to the zipline and whether safety rules should be strengthened to stop such mishaps. The results underlined the need of proper flying routes close to popular tourist destinations.
Tourism Effects and Zipline Closure
The Jebel Jais zipline stayed closed for repair following the tragedy. Local tourism suffered this closure since adventure seekers frequent Jebel Jais. Reviewing safety procedures, authorities hoped to rebuild trust and guarantee a safe reopening for guests.
Response of the Community to the Tragedy
News of the crash sent off a grieving tsunami across the United Arab Emirates. Tributes abound on social media, especially for Mark Roxburgh, regarded for his altruism. Emulating their dedication to rescue operations, Emiratis expressed sympathy to the crew families.
Safety Issues Raised by the Incident
The crash begged issues regarding security surrounding high-altitude activity sites. Experts in aviation and safety spoke about prospective enhancements to safeguard rescue operations running close to such locations, thereby stressing the need of tougher rules in well-known tourist places like Jebel Jais.
Safety Policies for Future Avoidance
The disaster prompted officials of Ras al-Khaimah to review fresh safety precautions. Clearer marks surrounding the zipline and safer flight paths for rescue missions were among suggested procedures. These improvements seek to safeguard future visitors as well as rescue workers.
Legacy of the Zipline Crash, Jebel Jais
This sad event brought attention to the dangers of high-altitude adventure travel. Although the zipline reopened following safety inspections, the memory of the disaster persists and drives changes in safety procedures and rescue plans in difficult terrain like Jebel Jais.
Jebel Jais: A Thrill-Seekers’ Destination
Jebel Jais is still a sought-after site despite the tragedy. Though now with more safety procedures, its breathtaking heights and record-breaking zipline draw guests. The remembrance of the departed crew keeps under constant emphasis the need of thrill and safety to go hand in hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the length of the Jebel Jais zipline?
- The Jebel Jais zipline is 2.83 kilometers long.
- When did the Jebel Jais zipline open?
- It opened in February 2018.
- What caused the helicopter crash on December 29, 2018?
- The helicopter struck the zipline cable during a rescue mission.
- How many crew members died in the 2018 helicopter crash?
- Four crew members lost their lives.
- Is the Jebel Jais zipline currently operational?
- Yes, it reopened after necessary maintenance following the 2018 incident.
