The helicopter in which Abu Dhabi-based businessperson MA Yusuff Ali and his wife were travelling had an emergency landing on a marshy land at Panangad in Kochi.
The helicopter crash landed in a swamp of a residential area at about 8.45 in the morning and since it was a secluded area a major mishap was averted.
According to confirmed sources, the helicopter crash landed due to technical fault.
Both Yusuff Ali and his wife were rushed to a nearby hospital for first aid. There were 5 persons on board including Yusuff Ali and his wife.
According to the hospital authority, no one was injured. Doctors in the hospital informed that all are being kept under observation. Yusuff Ali and others were on the way to Lakeshore hospital from Kadavanthra to see a relative when the mishap happened.
According to a press release from LuLu International head office in Abu Dhabi, the helicopter carrying LuLu Group Chairman Ysuff Ali. MA, his wife and two other passengers, along with two pilots, had to make a precautionary landing in Kochi.
V. Nandakumar, Director of Communications, LuLu Group International, in the press release said that Mr Ysuff Ali, currently in Kerala, was on a short trip from his home in Kochi to visit a relative at nearby hospital. Due to the sudden deterioration of weather conditions and heavy rain, the experienced pilot decided to make a precautionary landing at a safe place to prevent any risk to the life of the passengers or the public at large.
All passengers and crew underwent necessary medical check-up and are safe, the press release said.
Mr Ali is a UAE-based Indian businessman and billionaire. He is the chairman and managing director of LuLu Group International that owns the LuLu Hypermarket chain worldwide and LuLu International Shopping Mall.
