Two Malaysian navy helicopters collided mid-air during a rehearsal for a military parade near Kuala Lumpur, resulting in the loss of all 10 crew members aboard.
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The collision occurred at 09:30 local time, as the helicopters were flying in formation as part of a rehearsal for a Royal Malaysian Navy celebration event.
Eyewitness footage captured the moment one helicopter clipped the rotor of the other leading to a crash that claimed the lives of all 10 crew members.
Both helicopters involved in the collision, an Agusta Westland AW139 Maritime Operations Helicopter (HOM) and a Eurocopter Fennec, carried a total of 10 personnel.
Seven crew members were aboard the Agusta, while the remaining three were on the Eurocopter. There were no survivors with all victims confirmed dead at the scene.
The crash occurred near the Malaysian town of Lumut, which houses a Royal Malaysian Navy base. Local authorities including the Perak Fire and Rescue Department were alerted to the incident and responded to the scene. Rescue personnel worked to remove debris and retrieve the bodies of the victims.
The Royal Malaysian Navy issued a statement confirming the incident and expressing condolences to the families of the victims.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also shared his condolences via social media, describing the crash as a “heart-wrenching tragedy” and assuring the public that an investigation would be conducted to determine the cause.
The Royal Malaysian Navy announced the formation of a committee to investigate the cause of the incident. This investigation aims to uncover any factors or negligence that may have contributed to the loss of life.
The loss of 10 crew members in the helicopter collision has plunged the nation into mourning with expressions of grief and solidarity pouring in from across the country.
The event has showcased the sacrifices made by military personnel in service to their nation and the impact of such losses on their families.
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As investigations into the collision proceed there will likely be calls for enhanced safety measures and protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The safety of military personnel must remain a top priority with training and maintenance standards upheld to minimize the risk of accidents.
The collision occurred as the Malaysian Navy was preparing for its 90th-anniversary celebration event scheduled to take place from May 3-5.
There were no survivors among the 10 crew members on board the two helicopters. The Perak Fire and Rescue Department responded to the emergency, confirming the fatalities and initiating efforts to retrieve the victims’ remains from the crash site.
The Royal Malaysian Navy confirmed that all crew members were dead at the scene and transported to the Lumut Military Hospital for identification.
The rehearsal was part of preparations for a Royal Malaysian Navy celebration event marking the navy’s 90th anniversary.
The helicopters involved, identified as models HOM M503-3 and Fennec M502-6, were engaged in training exercises ahead of the upcoming event scheduled from May 3-5.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed sorrow over the tragedy, extending condolences to the families of the victims and offering prayers for strength in facing this calamity.
He assured the nation of action with the Ministry of Defense launching an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision.
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