Malaysia was deeply saddened by a tragic air incident as two helicopters collided mid-air over the Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM) base in Lumut, Perak yesterday morning, resulting in the loss of all 10 crew members on board.

This heart-wrenching event marks the deadliest helicopter crash in the country in nearly a decade, adding to a series of eight such incidents within the same period.

The most notable prior helicopter accident occurred on May 5, 2016, when a Eurocopter AS350 helicopter crashed near Sebuyau, Sarawak, claiming six lives, including prominent political figures.

In yesterday's tragedy at 9:32 am, TLDM confirmed the deaths of 10 personnel, including seven crew members of the Maritime Operations Helicopter (HOM-AW139) and three from the TLDM Fennec.

Perak police chief Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri reported that the HOM-AW139 helicopter crashed on the TLDM Lumut Stadium field, while the Fennec aircraft crashed into the TLDM Lumut Sports Complex swimming pool. All families of the victims have been informed for identification purposes.

Post-mortem examinations for the victims are currently underway at the Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital (HRPB) in Ipoh, with completion expected by noon today, according to HRPB Deputy Medical Director Dr. Liaw Kok Toon.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin disclosed that the helicopters were rehearsing for the Royal Malaysian Navy Fleet Open Day scheduled for this Saturday.

Among the 10 TLDM crew members tragically lost in the crash were esteemed officers and dedicated service personnel, including Squadron Commanders and experienced pilots. The nation mourns the loss of these courageous individuals who served with distinction.

- Squadron 502 Commanding Officer Commander Muhamad Amir Mohamad
- Lieutenant T Sivasutan (Squadron 502 Pilot)
- Warrant Officer II Mohd Shahrizan Mohd Termizi (Squadron 502 Air Quartermaster)
- Squadron 503 Commanding Officer Commander Muhammad Firdaus Ramli
- Lieutenant Commander Wan Rezaudeen Kamal Zainal Abidin
- Squadron 503 Air Tactical Officer Lieutenant Commander Mohammad Amirulfaris Mohd Marzukhi
- Squadron 503 Air Quartermaster Warrant Officer II Muhammad Faisol Tamadun
- Able Seaman I Joanna Felicia anak Rohna from the TLDM Air Base
- Warrant Officer II Norfarahimi Saedy (West Armada Supply Depot)
- Petty Officer Nor Rahiza Anuar (West Armada Supply Depot)

Our thoughts are with the families, friends, and colleagues of the fallen heroes during this difficult time.

Source / Image Credit : Awani , Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia