Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia –
Two Malaysian military helicopters collided in midair and crashed during a training session Tuesday, killing all 10 people on board and injuring a swimmer in a pool, authorities said.
The helicopters were rehearsing at a naval base in the northern state of Perak for the navy’s 90th anniversary celebration when the accident occurred, the navy said in a brief statement. “All victims at the scene were confirmed dead,” he said.
A video circulating on social media purportedly of the incident shows several helicopters flying at low altitude in formation. One of the helicopters turns to the side and snags the rotor of another helicopter, causing both to fall and crash. A local police officer, who asked not to be identified because he is not authorized to speak to the media, confirmed that the images are genuine.
The two helicopters were destroyed beyond recognition. Rescuers combed through the rubble to find the bodies. The victims included three women and seven men between the ages of 26 and 41, authorities said.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the nation mourned the “heart and soul-wrenching tragedy.” He said the navy will immediately conduct an investigation to find the cause of the incident.
Seven of the dead crew members were aboard an AW139 maritime operations helicopter, the Navy said. That plane is produced by AgustaWestland, a subsidiary of Italian defense contractor Leonardo. The other three were in a Fennec light helicopter, manufactured by the European multinational defense conglomerate Airbus.
Defense Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin said Saturday’s anniversary celebration will be canceled and replaced with Friday prayers for the victims.
Khaled said the two helicopters were among seven rehearsing when the collision occurred. One crashed into an empty sports field, while another fell into a nearby swimming pool. One swimmer was injured after being hit by the plane’s debris, he added.