Kuala lumpur: Police are expanding their investigation into the helicopter crash in Long Lellang, Baram, by examining the refuelling location and several places the aircraft passed through before the incident to determine whether there were any unusual occurrences. Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mohamad Zainal Abdullah said there are so far no indications that the incident was caused by elements other than an accident, but all possibilities are still being examined as part of a comprehensive investigation.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the police have recorded statements from 19 witnesses and plan to call up additional individuals if necessary. They also intend to revisit relevant locations to gather more details about the incident. The investigation covers the entire flight sequence, from the aircraft's take-off in Miri to its final destination, including examining flight records and checking for possible emergency calls.

The technical investigation into the crash has been handed over to the Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), while the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) will continue providing assistance as needed to complete the investigation. The timeframe for completing the investigation depends on the number of additional statements to be recorded and locations to be re-examined, but police aim to finish it swiftly.

The remains of all victims have been safely claimed by their families. On Tuesday, a BO-105 helicopter carrying five individuals, including the pilot, crashed near the Long Lellang Short Take-Off and Landing Airport (STOLport). The victims included pilot Captain Zainol Afiq Bee Sham, 30; medical officer Dr. Ainul Baraah Kamaruddin, 33; medical assistant Alexson Adit Henry, 31; and nurses Debra Moset, 40, and Jessie Paya Jok, 44.