At least ten people were reportedly dead after two navy helicopters collided in mid-air during a military training and rehearsal for a Royal Malaysian Navy parade.
The Royal Malaysian Navy said in a statement that the two aircraft collided on Tuesday morning as they were taking part in aerial training in northern Lumut, where the navy has its headquarters, claiming the lives of ten crew members.
One helicopter, an Agusta Westland AW139 Maritime Operations Helicopter (HOM), crashed onto the steps of the stadium at the complex while the second, a Eurocopter Fennec, crashed down near a swimming pool.
The navy said there were seven crew on board the Agusta and three on the Eurocopter. All were confirmed dead at the scene of the crash.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim described the incident as a “heart-wrenching tragedy” and confirmed an investigation would take place.
The navy “will establish an investigation board to determine the cause of the incident,” it said.
Footage of the unfortunate incident has been circulating on local media showing several helicopters flying above a stadium with several troops in formation in a stadium below.
The choppers crashed in the Malaysian town of Lumut, which is home to a navy base.
“All victims were confirmed dead on site and the remains were sent to the [Lumut] Military Hospital for identification,” said the Royal Malaysian Navy.
One of the helicopters, a HOM M503-3 with seven people on board, was said to have crashed onto a running track.
While the other, a Fennec M502-6 conveying the other three victims, crashed into a nearby swimming pool.
The helicopter crews were said to be practising for next week’s Navy Day celebrations which start on May 3.
