Pathanamthitta: A minor structural failure occurred at Pramadam Stadium in Kerala when a portion of the helipad surface reportedly gave way moments after President Droupadi Murmu’s helicopter touched down on Wednesday.
The incident took place during the President’s official tour of the state. Witnesses reported that shortly after the helicopter landed, one section of the tarmac beneath the aircraft began to sink, causing a slight tilt.
#WATCH | Kerala: A portion of the helipad tarmac sank in after a chopper carrying President Droupdi Murmu landed at Pramadam Stadium. Police and fire department personnel deployed at the spot physically pushed the helicopter out of the sunken spot. pic.twitter.com/QDmf28PqIb
— ANI (@ANI) October 22, 2025
Security personnel, including members of the police and fire services who were on standby, quickly intervened. They manually adjusted the position of the helicopter to prevent further movement and to ensure the safety of the aircraft and its passengers.
Despite the unexpected event, no injuries were reported, and the President remained unharmed. Her scheduled public engagements continued without delay.
Authorities have not confirmed the exact cause of the surface instability, but local officials have initiated an inspection of the helipad’s construction and maintenance records. Engineers are expected to assess the site to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
While the incident did not disrupt the broader itinerary, it has raised questions about the preparedness of temporary landing zones used for high-level visits, especially in areas where infrastructure may be subject to heavy monsoon impact or uneven ground conditions.
President Murmu’s visit marks a continuation of her outreach efforts across various Indian states, focusing on developmental programs and public interaction.
