The news has been updated.
This morning, a tragic incident occurred when a Sri Lanka Air Force Bell 212 helicopter, which crashed into the Maduru Oya reservoir, resulted in the death of six military personnel. The helicopter, which had been on a training mission, was carrying twelve members of the Sri Lankan military, including personnel from the Special Forces.
Initial reports from the Sri Lanka Air Force stated that all twelve crew members had been safely rescued following the crash. However, later updates confirmed that five military personnel, including members of the Sri Lanka Army Special Forces, tragically lost their lives due to the accident.
Sri Lanka Air Force Media Spokesperson Group Captain Eranda Geeganage provided further details, confirming that the victims included three members of the Sri Lanka Army Special Forces and two members of the Sri Lanka Air Force, who were all taken to hospital for medical evaluations but unfortunately passed away from their injuries.
The accident took place at approximately 8:17 AM, after the helicopter took off at 6:47 AM from the Hingurakgoda Air Force base for a demonstration flight over the Maduru Oya region. While conducting the training exercise, the aircraft crashed into the reservoir.
The helicopter was carrying six members of the Sri Lanka Army Special Forces, two members of the Sri Lanka Air Force Regiment Special Forces, two additional Sri Lanka Air Force members, and two civilians.
