Malaysian Navy Helicopters Crash During Parade Rehearsal, 10 Crew Members Lost

Written by Afua Amankwanowa 

The recent mid-air collision of two Malaysian navy helicopters during a rehearsal for a military parade has deeply saddened the nation, resulting in the tragic loss of all 10 crew members on board. The incident occurred in Lumut, Malaysia, where a Royal Malaysian Navy base is located. 

Footage shared by local media captured the moment one helicopter clipped the rotor of the other before both aircraft crashed to the ground. The collision happened around 09:30 local time (02:30 BST), with one helicopter, a HOM M503-3 carrying seven individuals, crashing onto a running track, while the other, a Fennec M502-6 with three occupants, went down into a nearby swimming pool.

Authorities swiftly responded, with the state's fire and rescue department being alerted at 09:50 local time (01:50 GMT). A committee has been established to investigate the cause of the collision, aiming to shed light on what led to this tragic accident.

Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed heartfelt condolences in a social media post, acknowledging the profound sorrow felt by the nation and extending prayers for strength to the families of the victims. He described the incident as "heart-wrenching and soul-wrenching tragedy," emphasizing the collective mourning and support for those affected by this devastating event.

This incident follows a recent helicopter crash in March, where a Malaysian Coast Guard helicopter went down into the sea near Angsa Island during a training flight. Fortunately, the pilot, co-pilot, and two passengers were rescued by nearby fishermen, highlighting the risks and challenges faced by military personnel during training and operational activities.