Ten killed after 2 Malaysian military helicopters crash

KUALA LUMPUR - Ten people were killed following a midair collision between two Malaysian military helicopters on Tuesday morning in Malaysia's northwestern Perak state.

The helicopters collided and crashed at 9:32 am local time over the Lumut Naval Base while undergoing a flypast rehearsal, the Royal Malaysian Navy said in a brief statement.

One helicopter carried seven personnel while the other had three on board.

"All victims died at the scene of the incident and have been sent to the Lumut base hospital for identification," it said, adding that the public is urged not to spread videos and photos of the victims.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim sent his condolences to the families of the victims over the tragedy.

"This tragedy has deeply affected the Malaysian Armed Forces and is a major loss to the country," he said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Defense Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin said an investigation board will be established to look into the cause of the incident.