Two Malaysian military helicopters tragically collided and crashed during a routine training session, resulting in the loss of all 10 crew members on board.
The unfortunate collision occurred during a flypast rehearsal at the Lumut naval base, approximately 160 kilometers from Kuala Lumpur, ahead of the upcoming Naval Day celebrations in May.
Footage circulating online captured the distressing moment as several helicopters flew in formation over the naval base before one helicopter clipped the rear rotor of another, sending both aircraft into a tailspin and eventual crash.
The helicopters involved were identified as a Eurocopter AS555SN Fennec and an AgustaWestland AW139, according to the rescue agency.
Senior operations commander Suhaimy Mohamad Suhail confirmed the tragic outcome, stating that medical officers had confirmed the deaths of all 10 crew members.
The wreckage depicted a grim scene, with the Eurocopter heavily mangled on the naval base stadium track and the AgustaWestland crashing in the swimming pool area.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, pledging an immediate investigation by the Ministry of Defense to determine the cause of the crash.
Malaysia’s King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar also expressed profound sadness over the loss of what he termed “national heroes.”
Helicopter accidents have sadly occurred in Malaysia before, with a recent incident involving a Malaysian coast guard helicopter that crashed in the Strait of Malacca, fortunately resulting in all four occupants being rescued.
