A Bell 212 helicopter had crashed into the Maduru Oya reservoir in central Sri Lanka with a dozen armed forces personnel on board.
Six died after they were rescued and rushed to hospital, Sri Lanka Air Force spokesman Group Captain Eranda Geeganage said.
“The helicopter was assigned to conduct a grappling exercise at a passing-out parade. Four special forces personnel and two Air Force gunmen died of their injuries,” Geeganage told Reuters.He declined to give details on the possible reason for the crash.The incident occurred during a demonstration held in conjunction with the passing-out ceremony at the Special Forces Training School in Maduru Oya.
According to initial reports, 12 personnel were on board the helicopter at the time, including two Air Force pilots and members of the Sri Lanka Air Force and Army Special Forces (SF).
The SLAF said that all personnel aboard the helicopter were rescued and admitted to hospital and six of them died after being admitted to the Polonnaruwa Hospital.
Two Sri Lanka Air Force gunners and four Special Forces personnel were among the deceased.
Meanwhile, the Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force has appointed a 9-member committee to probe into the incident.
