Lumut, Malaysia – Ten individuals tragically lost their lives in a devastating accident involving two navy helicopters during a military practice for a Royal Malaysian Navy parade. The collision occurred when one of the helicopters struck the rotor of the other, causing both aircraft to plummet to the ground. The incident unfolded at 09:30 local time in Lumut, a town in Malaysia that houses a navy base.
Regrettably, no survivors have been reported from the crash. The Royal Malaysian Navy confirmed that all victims were deceased at the site, with their remains transported to the Lumut Military Hospital for identification. In response to the incident, the Navy has announced its intent to establish a committee to investigate the cause of the collision.
The crash involved two distinct helicopters: a HOM M503-3 carrying seven occupants, which crashed onto a running track, and a Fennec M502-6 with three victims, which plunged into a nearby swimming pool. Authorities from the state’s fire and rescue department were notified of the tragedy at 09:50 local time.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia expressed condolences and solidarity with the families of the victims in response to the tragedy. This unfortunate event comes shortly after a Malaysian coast guard helicopter incident in March, where the pilot, co-pilot, and passengers were fortunately rescued by local fishermen after a crash into the sea near Angsa Island.