Sri Lanka, May 9 -- A Bell 212 helicopter belonging to the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) crashed into the Maduru Oya reservoir this morning (May 9), claiming the lives of six personnel from the Sri Lanka Army and Air Force.

The SLAF stated that the aircraft was attempting an emergency landing when the accident occurred. At the time, 12 personnel were on board-six from the Army and six from the Air Force, including the two pilots.

The helicopter, belonging to No. 07 Squadron at SLAF Base Hingurakgoda, had taken off from the Hingurakgoda Air Force Base approximately at 06.46 a.m. Its mission was to transport soldiers for a demonstration at the passing out parade of the Special Forces at the Maduru Oya Army Training School.

According to the ...