Collision between military helicopters leaves 10 dead in Malaysia; see video

Two military helicopters from the Air Force Malaysia collided this Tuesday, 23, during a training session. The accident killed all 10 crew on board, the rescue agency said.

The helicopters were rehearsing at a naval base in northern Perak state for the navy’s 90th anniversary celebration next month when the accident occurred, the naval force said in a brief statement.

“All victims were confirmed dead at the scene,” he said, adding that the remains were sent to the hospital for identification.

A video circulating on social media showed several helicopters flying low in a formation. One of the aircraft swerved to the side and hit the rotor of another helicopter, causing both to dive and crash. A local police officer who declined to be identified because he is not authorized to speak to the media confirmed that the video is genuine.

The helicopters were mutilated beyond recognition. Rescuers searched the wreckage to find the bodies. The victims were three women and seven men, according to police. In the videos, witnesses can be heard exclaiming “Allah, Allah, Allah.”

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the nation was mourning the “heart- and soul-wrenching tragedy” and that the Navy would immediately carry out an investigation to determine the cause of the accident.

Seven crew members were on board the AW139 maritime operations helicopter, the navy said. This aircraft is produced by AgustaWestland, which is a subsidiary of Italian defense contractor Leonardo. Three other crew members were in a Fennec light helicopter, made by European multinational defense conglomerate Airbus.

Local media reported that the AW139 crashed into a sports complex at the naval base, while the Fennec hit a nearby swimming pool.