In a devastating incident, two Malaysian navy helicopters collided in mid-air during a rehearsal for a military parade, resulting in the tragic loss of all 10 crew members on board. The incident occurred at 09:30 local time (02:30 BST) in the Malaysian town of Lumut, which is home to a Royal Malaysian Navy base.
According to eyewitnesses, one of the aircraft clipped the rotor of the other before the two crashed into the ground. Footage published on local media showed the horrific moment of the collision, leaving no survivors.
The Royal Malaysian Navy has confirmed the incident and announced that a committee will be formed to investigate the cause of the tragedy. The state’s fire and rescue department was alerted to the incident at 09:50 local time (01:50 GMT).
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed his condolences to the families of the victims, saying that “the nation mourns the heart-wrenching and soul-wrenching tragedy”. He added, “Condolences to all the families of the victims and prayers for strength to face this calamity.”
The incident is a stark reminder of the risks and sacrifices made by military personnel in the line of duty. The investigation committee will work to determine the cause of the collision and identify measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
In a separate incident, a Malaysian coast guard helicopter crashed into the sea off Malaysia’s Angsa Island during a training flight in March. Although the pilot, co-pilot, and two passengers were rescued by fishermen, they were later confirmed dead on site.
The Royal Malaysian Navy has promised a thorough investigation into both incidents to ensure that the safety of its personnel is prioritized. The nation mourns the loss of these brave individuals who gave their lives in service to their country