A devastating incident unfolded on Tuesday as two helicopters collided during a rehearsal for the Royal Malaysian Navy’s 90th anniversary parade, resulting in the loss of all ten crew members on board. The tragic crash occurred at a naval base in northern Perak state in Malaysia, casting a shadow over the upcoming celebration.
The Royal Malaysian Navy swiftly responded to the incident, confirming that both helicopters involved in the collision were engaged in practice maneuvers for the upcoming parade.
The AW139 maritime operation helicopter, manufactured by AgustaWestland, and the Fennec lightweight helicopter, produced by Airbus, were carrying seven and three crew members respectively at the time of the collision.
In a concise statement, the navy announced the heartbreaking news, stating that all victims were pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.
The remains of the deceased have been transported to the hospital for identification purposes, as authorities work to confirm the identities of the crew members who tragically lost their lives.
Defense Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin expressed profound sadness over the incident, emphasizing that the crew members aboard both helicopters were under the age of 40. The helicopters were engaged in practice exercises in preparation for the grand parade scheduled to commemorate the Royal Malaysian Navy’s 90th anniversary.
Local media reports shed light on the aftermath of the collision, revealing that the AW139 crashed at a sports complex within the naval base, while the Fennec helicopter crashed at a nearby swimming pool.
The precise circumstances leading to the collision are under investigation as authorities seek to unravel the sequence of events that led to the tragic loss of lives.
At least 10 people k1lled when two military helicopters collided midair in Lumut, #Malaysia. pic.twitter.com/gR45qrwjVZ
— Arthur Morgan (@ArthurM40330824) April 23, 2024
As the nation mourns the loss of the brave crew members, questions linger regarding the safety protocols and measures in place during military exercises. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with military operations, underscoring the need for utmost vigilance and adherence to safety standards to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Amidst the sorrow and grief, the Royal Malaysian Navy and the nation at large stand united in honoring the memory of the fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country. Their courage and dedication will forever be remembered as a testament to the unwavering commitment of Malaysia’s armed forces to safeguarding the nation’s security and sovereignty.
Read all the World News, Business News, Sports News, Entertainment News, Business News and Opinion here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
