LUMUT, MALAYSIA – A tragic incident unfolded at a naval base in Lumut, Malaysia on Tuesday, as two navy helicopters collided mid-air during a rehearsal for an upcoming naval parade, resulting in the death of all 10 crew members onboard, according to a statement from the Malaysian navy.
The fatal collision occurred at 9:32 a.m. local time at the Lumut naval base, located in the western state of Perak. The navy confirmed that all victims were pronounced dead at the scene and were subsequently transported to the Lumut naval base military hospital for identification.
Footage of the incident, which has been circulating on local media, depicts several helicopters flying in formation. The video shows one helicopter’s rotor clipping another, resulting in both aircraft plummeting to the ground. Local authorities have confirmed the authenticity of the video.
The navy has announced plans to launch an investigation into the cause of the collision.
Defense Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin revealed that the aircraft involved in the accident – a maritime operations helicopter and a Fennec military chopper – were rehearsing for a parade to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Royal Malaysian Navy, scheduled for Saturday.
The process to confirm the identities of the deceased crew members, all of whom were under 40 years old, is currently underway, Nordin told reporters.