10 killed in mid-air collision of naval helicopters in Malaysia

10 killed in mid-air collision of naval helicopters in Malaysia

Two Malaysian navy helicopters crashed into each other while flying in formation during a practice for a military parade, killing all 10 people on board. Local news showed that one helicopter's rotor hit the other before they both crashed to the ground.

The crash happened at 9:30 in the morning, local time, in Lumut, a town in Malaysia where there's a Royal Malaysian Navy base. There were no survivors.

The Royal Malaysian Navy said all victims were confirmed dead at the scene, and their bodies were sent to the Lumut Military Hospital for identification. The Navy also mentioned it would set up a committee to find out what caused the crash.

One of the helicopters, a HOM M503-3 with seven people on board, is thought to have crashed onto a running track. The other helicopter, a Fennec M502-6 with three people, crashed into a swimming pool nearby.

The state Fire and Rescue Department said they were alerted to the accident at 9:50 a.m. local time (1:50 GMT).

Malaysia's Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, posted on X, formerly Twitter, saying that "the nation is grieving this heart-breaking tragedy." He also sent his "condolences to all the families of the victims" and offered "prayers for strength to cope with this disaster."

In March, a Malaysian Coast Guard helicopter crashed into the sea near Malaysia's Angsa Island during a training flight. Fishermen rescued the pilot, co-pilot, and two passengers on board.