Families of helicopter crew receive compensation

By Yang Lifei  |   2008-6-17  |     ONLINE EDITION

FAMILIES of the five crew members who died in a helicopter crash in Sichuan Province will receive compensation of 200,000 yuan (US$28,571) each from China Life Insurance Group, Jinghua Times reported.

After the devastating earthquake on May 12, the company presented a donation letter to the General Logistics Department of the People's Liberation Army, offering to provide life insurance to all PLA members involved in rescue and relief work. Following official approval, the company contributed life insurance to every solider dispatched to the quake-stricken area.

This is the first time in Chinese history that military men have ever enjoyed commercial insurance and also the first time the military authority has accepted an insurance donation by a commercial organization, the newspaper reported.

China Life has received 13,231 cases since the disaster occurred, the estimated compensation of which is up to 232 million yuan.
A military transport helicopter engaging in quake relief work near Yingxiu Township in Wenchuan County crashed into a mountain while encountering fog and turbulence on May 31. A total of 19 people were killed in the accident.