Ten crew killed after two Malaysian Navy helicopters collide in midair

Ten crew members have been killed after two Malaysian navy helicopters collided in midair and crashed to the ground. The Royal Malaysian Navy said in a statement that the two aircraft collided on Tuesday morning as they were taking part in aerial training in northern Lumut, where the navy has its headquarters. One helicopter, an Agusta Westland AW139 Maritime Operations Helicopter (HOM), crashed onto the steps of the stadium at the complex while the second, a Eurocopter Fennec, fell near a swimming pool. The navy said there were seven crew on board the Agusta and three on the Eurocopter. All were confirmed dead at the scene of the crash.

The navy “will establish an investigation board to determine the cause of the incident”, it said. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim described the incident as a “heart-wrenching tragedy” and confirmed an investigation would take place. Videos shared on social media showed several helicopters flying above a stadium with several troops in formation in a stadium below. One helicopter appears to hit the rear of another before both plunge to the ground. The helicopter crews were practising for next week’s Navy Day celebrations which start on May 3.