In a devastating incident during a military parade rehearsal, two Malaysian navy helicopters collided mid-air, claiming the lives of all 10 crew members on board. The rehearsal, intended to showcase precision and unity, turned into a scene of horror as one helicopter clipped the rotor of the other, sending both aircraft plummeting to the ground.
The tragedy unfolded at 09:30 local time in Lumut, a town housing a Royal Malaysian Navy base. Disturbing footage aired on local media captured the moment of collision, leaving no room for hope of survivors. The Royal Malaysian Navy confirmed the grim outcome, stating that all victims were pronounced dead at the scene, with their remains transferred to the Lumut Military Hospital for identification.
An investigative committee is set to unravel the cause behind the catastrophic collision, offering some solace to grieving families seeking closure. Among the victims, seven were aboard a HOM M503-3 helicopter, which crashed onto a nearby running track, while the other three were on a Fennec M502-6 that plunged into a swimming pool.
Expressing solidarity in the face of loss, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim conveyed his condolences via X (formerly Twitter), acknowledging the profound sorrow gripping the nation. “The nation mourns the heart-wrenching and soul-wrenching tragedy,” he stated, urging prayers for strength amidst the calamity.
This tragedy marks another dark chapter in Malaysia’s recent aviation history, following a March incident where a coast guard helicopter crashed into the sea off Angsa Island during a training flight. Fortunately, all occupants were rescued, offering a rare glimmer of hope amid somber headlines.
