Tragedy Strikes Malaysian Military, 10 Killed in Helicopter Collision
Malaysia mourns the loss of 10 military personnel killed in a mid-air collision between two helicopters during a training exercise. All crew members on board perished in the crash.
The incident occurred at the Lumut naval base, with online footage capturing helicopters performing a flypast rehearsal. One chopper tragically clipped the tail rotor of another, sending both aircraft into a tailspin and subsequent crashes.
Authorities identified the helicopters as a Eurocopter AS555SN Fennec and an AgustaWestland AW139. Images depict the mangled wreckage of the Eurocopter on the stadium track, while the other helicopter crashed near the base’s swimming pool area.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed deep condolences to the victims’ families, calling the event a “heart-wrenching tragedy.” He confirmed an immediate investigation led by the Ministry of Defense and the Royal Malaysian Navy to determine the cause of the crash.
This incident adds to a history of helicopter-related accidents in Malaysia. While a coast guard helicopter crash last month thankfully resulted in no casualties, a 2016 incident involving a Eurocopter resulted in fatalities, including a deputy minister.
