The Malaysian navy stated that ten people died today, Tuesday, after two helicopters collided mid-air during a training session for a display by the Royal Malaysian Navy. It was added that all ten individuals were crew members of the helicopters, noting that the incident occurred at Lumut Naval Base in the western state of Perak at 9:32 AM today. The navy reported, "The death of all victims was confirmed at the scene before being sent to Lumut military hospital for identification."
The operations commander in the fire and rescue department, Shaimi Mohamed Suhail, stated, "The helicopters collided during a training flight. Medical teams confirmed the deaths of all ten victims who were on board." Video footage circulating on social media showed helicopters flying in formation at low altitude above Lumut before preparations for naval forces celebrations in May. It appeared that one helicopter brushed against the tail rotor blades of the other, causing both to lose control and crash, ultimately hitting a spot not visible in the video. The voices of eyewitnesses at the scene could be heard chanting "God, God, God."
