Mid-air helicopter crash in Malaysia leaves 10 dead

A mid-air helicopter crash in Malaysia on Tuesday has left at least 10 people killed.

The incident occurred during rehearsal for the Navy’s anniversary festivities at around 9:30 am local time at the Lumut naval base, Perak.

Malaysian Navy confirmed the death of all the 10 crew members saying that the bodies had been shifted to the Lumut Naval Base military hospital for identification.

A video clip showing the fatal accident is now doing rounds on social media.

As reported, one of the helicopters carrying seven people crashed onto a running track, whereas the other with three people on board crashed into a swimming pool.

Malaysian Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the aircraft — a maritime operations helicopter and a Fennec military chopper — were rehearsing for a parade celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Royal Malaysian Navy, due to be held on Saturday.

Speaking to reporters, the minister added that efforts were underway to verify the identities of the crew members killed, all of whom were below the age of 40.