(RepublicanView.org) – Ten people have died during helicopter exercises in Malaysia. Two Navy aircraft collided, killing all on board, during parade rehearsals near the Lumut naval base in the state of Perak on April 23. The Navy subsequently released a statement saying all participants were confirmed dead on the scene and were transported to the Lumut Naval Base military hospital for formal identification.
A video of the accident was posted to social media, and viewers initially speculated about its authenticity. The Navy replied, however, and confirmed that the video footage was genuine and that the incident had occurred. The aircraft were identified as a Eurocopter AS555SN Fennec lightweight with three passengers on board and an AW139 maritime operation helicopter carrying seven people.
Defense Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the two helicopters were rehearsing for a public parade to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Royal Malaysian Navy, which was due to take place on April 27.
Local media reported on April 24 that Royal Malaysian Navy Commander Firdaus Ramli was among the dead. His sister, Alya Ramli, told reporters that her parents spoke to her brother by phone just one hour before his death. “This cannot have happened. I can’t believe my brother is gone,” she said.
Mr. Firdaus was confirmed as one of the pilots, and his sister said he always called his parents before a flight. The 44-year-old was married and a member of the Malaysian Navy for more than 20 years.
Also killed in the incident were Petty Officer Noor Rahiza Anuar, Lt Cmdr Wan Rezaudeen Kamal Wan Zainal Abidin, and Warrant Officer II Muhammad Faisol Tamadun. Family and friends left tributes to the victims online, including Suzana Hamdan, who wrote she did not expect this year’s Ramadan to be the last time she saw her friend Mohd Shahrizan Mohd Termizi.
Malaysian actress Eyra Hazali confirmed that her husband’s cousin perished in the incident. “May their souls be placed among the righteous,” she wrote.
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