A joint Search and Rescue (SAR) team has recovered the body of a second victim from the crash site of an ATR 42-500 aircraft on Mount Bulusaraung, Pangkep Regency, South Sulawesi. The victim, identified as female, was found on Monday, January 19, at 14:00 Central Indonesia Time.
"One victim, a female, was also found today and is currently in the process of being evacuated. Her identity will not be determined by us [the National Search and Rescue Agency or Basarnas]," stated Head of Basarnas, Air Vice Marshal (Marsdya) TNI Mohammad Syafii on Monday, January 19, 2026.
Syafii added that, according to information from his team members, the location where the second victim was found is a steep and precipitous ravine, approximately 500 meters deep from the peak.
Syafii stated that the current focus of the operation is the search for victims from the ATR 42-500, prioritizing the utilization of the 'golden time' window. It is hoped that the joint SAR team can evacuate victims in a live condition.
"On the ground, we have already found signs and evidence. This is an ongoing process. If it is part of the aircraft, we hand it over to the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT). For recovered victims, we transfer them to the Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) post," said Syafii.
Earlier, an ATR 42-500 aircraft operated by Indonesia Air Transport was reported to have lost contact in the mountainous Bulusaraung area, bordering Maros and Pangkep Regencies, South Sulawesi, on Saturday afternoon, January 17, 2026. The aircraft was carrying 10 people: seven crew members and three passengers, who were employees of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries.
Writer: MN Abdurrahman Editor: Muhammad Fadli Rizal
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