Investigation board to be set up

KUALA LUMPUR: An investigation board will be set up to determine the cause of the two naval helicopters that crashed during a rehearsal session at the naval base in Lumut, Perak.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin (pic), who offered his condolences to the victims’ families, said one of the helicopters crashed into a swimming pool while another landed at a stadium within the military compound.

“An interim report on the crash will be prepared as soon as possible prior to the full report.

“However, it will take some time as we want to uncover the cause of the incident,” he told reporters after attending the ministry’s Hari Raya celebration at Kem Kementah yesterday.

Those involved in the crash were on their third practice run for the coming 90th Naval Day celebration.

“The 10 navy personnel killed in the crash were based in Lumut and Kota Kinabalu.

'CLICK TO ENLARGE'

“The victims consisted of officers and personnel of various ranks below 40 years of age,” Mohamed Khaled said.

He added that the priority is to assist their families.

“The families of the victims who were from Kota Kinabalu will be flown to Lumut. We will give proper aid and assistance to them,” he said.

Mohamed Khaled, who went to Lumut to inspect the situation on the ground, urged the public not to speculate or spread photos and videos of the crash.

“We should respect the victims’ families and not disrupt the investigation.”

Earlier in a statement, the navy said the 10 crew members on board the two helicopters died at the scene.

The navy also urged members of the public to refrain from spreading videos of the tragedy.