KUALA LUMPUR: Two squadron leaders were among the 10 who died in the midair collision of two Royal Malaysian Navy helicopters in Lumut today, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
He said the victims, of various ranks, were based in Lumut and Kota Kinabalu, and their remains were being identified at hospital.
"So far, we have received information that all 10 crew members perished and their bodies were taken to Hospital Angkatan Tentera Pangkalan TLDM, Lumut, Perak.
"We have identified some of the victims. The identification process is under way at the hospital.
"The officers are all under 40 years old. There are of various ranks," he said to reporters after the Defence Ministry Hari Raya gathering.
Earlier today, an AgustaWestland AW139 Maritime Operations Helicopter (HOM) and a Eurocopter Fennec had collided midair during a rehearsal for a flypast for the RMN's 90th anniversary celebrations.
The AW139 HOM helicopter crashed on the terrace of the Navy Stadium while the Fennec crashed near the pool of the Navy Sports Complex.
The RMN has established an investigation board to look into the incident.