Kumamoto Police to Retrieve Aso Volcano Crash Helicopter; Cost Estimated at ¥88.3 Million

(Tokyo, June 16, 2025 – CNA via international wire services) Two Taiwanese tourists died in January when their sightseeing aircraft crashed in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan. The victims and the wreckage remain inside the First Crater of Mount Aso's Nakadake peak. On June 15, police and crane operators entered the surrounding area, transporting heavy machinery to the site.

The sightseeing helicopter lost contact during flight on January 20, 2025. The severely damaged aircraft was found later that evening on a slope about 50 meters below the crater's edge. The crash claimed the lives of two Taiwanese tourists and one Japanese pilot. The helicopter was operated by 'Shokou Koku,' headquartered in Okayama City.

Due to concerns over secondary disasters, such as volcanic gas emissions from within the crater, rescue operations were initially suspended with the understanding of the victims' families.

According to reports by Kumamoto Minami Television (kkt) and the Yomiuri Shimbun, Kumamoto Prefectural Police announced on June 12 that they would attempt to retrieve the three victims and the wreckage as part of the search operation. The cost is estimated at approximately 440 million yen (about NT$88.3 million), to be covered by the Japanese national treasury.

The 'Aso Mountain Volcanic Disaster Prevention Council,' composed of the Aso City government and other agencies, granted crane operators access to the crater's vicinity from June 15 to July 31, 2025.

On the first day of access, heavy machinery and containers were transported into the area near the crater.

Kumamoto Prefectural Police stated that they have confirmed local conditions and coordinated subsequent engineering plans.

Aso City has announced a ban on entry to 'Sunazeni no Hama,' located southeast of the First Crater of Mount Aso's Nakadake peak.

Aso Mayor Kazuko Matsushima said after yesterday's full city council meeting, 'For nearly five months, we have caused great concern to many people. I sincerely apologize. Thanks to everyone's understanding and cooperation, we are now taking a major step toward resolution. I express my deepest gratitude once again.'

The crane operator has experience using unmanned heavy machinery in high-altitude and steep-slope operations. The retrieval will be conducted remotely, with no personnel entering the crater.

According to Kumamoto Television (TKU), Daisho Construction from Chiba Prefecture has contracted with Kumamoto Prefectural Police to conduct remote operations using unmanned heavy machinery. Approximately ten related vehicles have already entered the crater area. (Compiled by Yang Wei-ching) 1150616