Malaysia: 10 dead after navy helicopters collide mid-air during flyover rehearsal

The two helicopters crashed during training for a flyover for Malaysia's 90th Naval Day celebrations.

Tuesday 23 April 2024 10:32, UK

Ten people have died after two helicopters collided in mid-air during a rehearsal for a Royal Malaysian Navy parade.

The incident took place at the Malaysian navy's Lumut Base - 100 miles (160km) northwest of the capital Kuala Lumpur - at around 9.30am local time.

The crash involved an AW139 maritime operations helicopter, with seven crew members, and a navy Fennec, with three crew members.

"All the victims were confirmed to have died at the scene and were sent to the Lumut Base Army Hospital for the identification process," the navy said in a statement.

"[We] will establish a board of inquiry to identify the cause of the incident."

The helicopters crashed during training for a flyover for Malaysia's 90th Naval Day celebrations, due to be held on Saturday.

Local media reported that the AW139 crashed at a sports complex at the naval base, while the Fennec hit a nearby swimming pool.

Defence minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin said efforts were under way to verify the identities of the crew members killed in the crash, all of whom were below the age of 40.

Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim described the incident as a "tragedy".

In a post on social media platform X, he wrote: "The nation mourns the heart-wrenching and soul-wrenching tragedy involving the crash of two helicopters at Lumut Base today.

"Condolences to all the families of the victims and prayers for strength to face this calamity."

Malaysia: 10 dead after navy helicopters collide mid-air during flyover rehearsal

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