Malaysia: Two navy helicopters collide mid-air during rehearsal, 10 crew members die

Two Malaysian Navy choppers collided mid-air whereas they had been conducting a rehearsal for a naval parade, leaving not less than 10 crew members lifeless on Tuesday, media stories mentioned.

The incident occurred on the Lumut naval base within the western state of Perak at 9:32 am (native time), the navy mentioned in an announcement as quoted by CNN.

“All victims had been confirmed lifeless on the scene and despatched to the Lumut naval base army hospital for identification,” the navy mentioned.

(*10*)

Two helicopters crashed earlier in the present day during coaching for a flyover for Malaysia’s ninetieth Naval Day celebrations. At least 10 folks sadly died within the incident. pic.twitter.com/8gpfB3eJfR

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The Navy will examine the reason for the collision.

Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin mentioned the incident left the nation ‘shocked’.

“Today the nation was shocked by a tragic incident when 2 Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) helicopters crashed on the Lumut RMN Base,” the Minister wrote on X.

“This incident occurred during the TLDM Day Parade at 9.32am involving 2 TLDM helicopters of the Maritime Operation Helicopter kind (HOM-AW139) and a FENNEC helicopter,” the Minister mentioned.

He mentioned: “Personally, and on behalf of the complete Ministry of Defense and ATM, I categorical my condolences to the households of the TLDM members concerned. Let us collectively supply prayers and reminiscences for all of the households of the victims. May they be given the power to face this heaviest problem.”