Ten Killed in Navy Helicopter Collision During Military Rehearsal in Malaysia

A tragic incident unfolded in Malaysia as two navy helicopters collided mid-air during a military rehearsal for a Royal Malaysian Navy parade, resulting in the loss of ten lives.

Footage from local media captured the moment when one helicopter’s rotor clipped the other, leading to the fatal crash onto the ground.

The collision occurred at approximately 09:30 local time (02:30 BST) in Lumut, a town housing a navy base.

Tragically, there were no survivors among the occupants of the helicopters. The Royal Malaysian Navy confirmed that all victims were pronounced dead at the scene, and their remains were transported to the Lumut Military Hospital for identification. A committee will be formed to investigate the cause of the incident.

The crash involved two helicopters: a HOM M503-3 carrying seven individuals, which crashed onto a running track, and a Fennec M502-6 with three occupants, which crashed into a nearby swimming pool.

Authorities from the state’s fire and rescue department were alerted to the scene at 09:50 local time (01:50 GMT).

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed condolences and solidarity with the families of the victims, describing the incident as a “heart-wrenching and soul-wrenching tragedy.” He offered prayers for strength to endure the loss.

This unfortunate event comes on the heels of another helicopter crash in March, 2024 where a Malaysian coast guard helicopter went down into the sea off Angsa Island during a training flight. Fortunately, the pilot, co-pilot, and two passengers were rescued by fishermen.