Helicopter carrying UAE-based businessman Yusuf Ali crash-lands in Kochi

www.mangaloretoday.com

Kochi, April 11, 2021: A private helicopter carrying UAE-based businessman Yusuf Ali M. A., his wife and three others crash-landed in a vacant plot in Kochi on Sunday morning. No injuries have been reported. All occupants have been placed under observation at a private hospital nearby.

The chopper crash-landed near Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) campus in Panangad.

Local residents said there were rain and heavy winds at the time of the incident. A hospital spokesperson said all the passengers are safe and there was no cause for concern.

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.

Official statement from Lulu Group
A statement released by the Lulu Group spokesman said: "This morning at 9:00 hours (IST) the helicopter carrying Lulu group chairman Yusuff Ali M A. his wife and two other passengers along with two pilots, had to make a precautionary landing in Kochi."

It said Yusuff Ali was on a short trip from his home in Kochi to visit a relative at a nearby hospital. "Due to sudden deterioration of the weather conditions and heavy rains, the experienced pilots 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," the statement said.

All the passengers and crew underwent necessary medical checkups and are safe, it said.