Tragedy struck the Malaysian navy on Tuesday morning as two helicopters collided during a rehearsal for a naval parade, claiming the lives of all 10 crew members on board. The incident unfolded at 9:32 a.m. local time at the Lumut naval base in Perak state, the navy confirmed.
“All victims were confirmed dead at the scene and sent to the Lumut naval base military hospital for identification,” the navy stated.
A circulating video captured the heart-wrenching moment when the rotor of one helicopter clipped another, resulting in both aircraft plummeting to the ground. Local authorities verified the authenticity of the footage.
In response to the incident, the navy pledged to conduct a thorough investigation into its cause.
Defense Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin disclosed that the ill-fated aircraft, comprising a maritime operations helicopter and a Fennec military chopper, were engaged in preparations for a forthcoming parade commemorating the 90th anniversary of the Royal Malaysian Navy, scheduled for Saturday.
As the nation mourns the loss, efforts are underway to confirm the identities of the deceased crew members, all of whom were under the age of 40, Mohamed Khaled informed the press.