VIDEO: Ten killed in horrific mid-air collision of two helicopters in Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur: Ten people were killed after two navy helicopters collided with each mid-air while performing manoeuvres during a military rehearsal for an upcoming parade in Malaysia. Shocking videos of the mid-air crash showed two choppers swaying away from a formation and soon losing control and ramming into each other.

Footage released by local media reveals that one helicopter’s rotor clipped the other before both aircraft plummeted to the ground. The tragic incident occurred in the Malaysian town of Lumut, where a navy base is located.

There are no survivors reported from the crash. The first helicopter, a HOM M503-3 carrying seven individuals, is believed to have crashed onto a running track. Meanwhile, the second helicopter, a Fennec M502-6 with three victims aboard, crashed into a nearby swimming pool. The state’s fire and rescue department was alerted to the incident at 09:50 am (local time).

Seven crew members were aboard the AW139 maritime operation helicopter, the navy said. That aircraft is produced by AgustaWestland, which is a subsidiary of the Italian defence contractor Leonardo. Three other crew members were on a Fennec lightweight helicopter, manufactured by European multinational defense conglomerate Airbus.Local media reported that the AW139 crashed at a sports complex at the naval base, while the Fennec hit a nearby swimming pool. The Malaysian Navy said it will launch an investigation to determine what caused the accident.