Two Malaysian navy helicopters tragically collided in mid-air during a rehearsal for a military parade, resulting in the deaths of all 10 crew members on board.
The incident occurred in the Malaysian town of Lumut, home to a Royal Malaysian Navy base, when one helicopter clipped the rotor of the other, causing both to crash to the ground.
The Royal Malaysian Navy confirmed that there are no survivors and all victims were pronounced dead at the scene. The remains of the crew were transported to the Lumut Military Hospital for identification, as investigations into the cause of the collision are underway.
One of the helicopters, a HOM M503-3 with seven occupants, crashed onto a running track, while the other, a Fennec M502-6 carrying three victims, landed in a nearby swimming pool. Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed condolences to the families of the deceased, calling the incident a “heart-wrenching and soul-wrenching tragedy.”
This unfortunate event follows a similar incident in March when a Malaysian coast guard helicopter crashed into the sea during a training flight, with the pilot, co-pilot, and passengers rescued by fishermen. The recent collision has prompted an outpouring of grief and shock in Malaysia, as the nation mourns the loss of the navy crew members.
