Malaysia: 10 Dead as Two Navy Helicopters Crashed in Mid-Air
A tragedy struck during a rehearsal for the Royal Malaysian Navy parade in Lumut when two helicopters crashed mid-air, claiming the lives of 10 people. A video, confirmed by Malaysia-based Buletin TV3, captured the moment of collision, showing one helicopter's front end hitting the other's rear rotor, leading to both choppers plummeting to the ground.
The crash scene was harrowing, with witnesses hearing cries of “Allah, Allah, Allah” as the helicopters spiraled downward. The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) confirmed that the Maritime Operations Helicopter (HOM-AW139) from the RMN FENNEC fleet crashed at the RMN's Lumut base at 9:32 am.
According to a statement from the navy, all 10 individuals onboard the helicopters were crew members. The collision occurred during what was supposed to be a routine practice session.
Ten individuals were involved, including seven crew members from the RMN HOM team and three from the FENNEC team. Thankfully, all were rescued and transported to the RMN Lumut Base Hospital for medical attention.
Senior operations commander Suhaimy Mohamad Suhail from the fire and rescue department confirmed the tragic outcome, stating that all 10 aboard were fatally injured.
In response, the RMN announced the formation of an “Investigation Board” to uncover the cause of the collision, urging the public to refrain from circulating videos out of respect for the families and the investigation process.
The helicopters were undergoing training for the RMN's upcoming 90th-anniversary celebration when the accident occurred at the naval base in northern Perak state.
The navy confirmed that all victims were fatally injured in the crash and were pronounced dead at the scene. Their remains were transported to Lumut Army Base Hospital for identification purposes.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed condolences, acknowledging the profound impact on the families of the victims and the nation. He assured that an immediate investigation would be conducted by the Ministry of Defense, particularly the RMN, to ascertain the cause of the tragedy. Prayers were offered for the departed souls to find peace and solace in the afterlife.
This isn't the first aviation mishap in Malaysia this year. In March, a Coast Guard helicopter crashed into the sea near Angsa Island during a training flight. Fortunately, the pilot, co-pilot, and two passengers were rescued by nearby fishermen.
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