ARN News Centre

Helicopter crash in Sri Lanka kills six military personnel

Friday, 9 May 2025 11:48

By Reuters

A helicopter crash in Sri Lanka has killed six military personnel, an Air Force official said on Friday.

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.

More from International

Iran threatens to retaliate for US blockade

The US military said it will begin a blockade of ships leaving Iran's ports on Monday, and Tehran threatened to retaliate after weekend talks failed to reach a deal to end the war, leaving a ceasefire in jeopardy.
Israel presses assault on Lebanon border town ahead of US-hosted talks

Israeli troops launched an attack to seize a key south Lebanon town from Hezbollah fighters holed up inside on Monday, pressing the war on the group on the eve of historic talks between Israeli and Lebanese government envoys.
One killed in Ukraine despite Easter ceasefire, officials say

A Russian drone attack has killed one person in Ukraine's frontline eastern Donetsk region on Sunday, Ukrainian police said on Monday, before the expiry of a ceasefire to mark Orthodox Easter.
Haiti declares three days of national mourning for 25 killed in stampede

Haiti has declared three days of national mourning on Sunday, a day after a deadly stampede killed 25 people during an annual celebration thronged by students and visitors at its Laferriere Citadel tourist attraction.
Australia appoints woman to lead its army for the first time

Australia has announced on Monday that a woman would lead its army for the first time in history, as part of a reshuffle of the country's defence force leadership.