Tragedy struck during a recent naval parade rehearsal in Malaysia as two navy helicopters collided mid-air, resulting in the loss of all ten crew members on board. The incident took place in the western state of Perak, at Lumut naval base, early on Tuesday morning. The navy confirmed that all victims were declared dead at the scene and were later taken to Lumut Naval Base military hospital for identification.
One of the helicopters, a HOM M503-3 with seven people on board, is believed to have crashed onto a running track. The other, a Fennec M502-6 carrying the other three victims, crashed into a swimming pool nearby.
A video circulating on local media showed several helicopters flying in formation when one of the choppers’ rotors clipped another before both aircraft crashed into the ground. Local police confirmed the footage was genuine, reports Reuters.
The Navy said it would carry out an investigation into the cause of the accident.
Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the aircraft—a maritime operations helicopter and a Fennec military chopper—were rehearsing for a parade on Saturday celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Royal Malaysian Navy. Efforts were underway to verify the identities of the crew members killed, all of whom were below the age of 40, Mohamed Khaled told reporters.
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, that “the nation mourns the heart-wrenching and soul-wrenching tragedy.” He also offered Condolences to all the families of the victims and prayers for strength to face this calamity.
In March, a Malaysian Coast Guard helicopter crashed into the sea off Malaysia’s Angsa Island during a training flight. The pilot, co-pilot and two passengers on board were found and rescued by fishermen.
Team BharatShakti
(With inputs from Reuters)
