A military helicopter crashed into a reservoir in eastern Sri Lanka early Monday, killing six people and leaving several others injured.
The incident occurred during a routine military event, turning what was meant to be a day of pride and ceremony into a scene of tragedy.
The helicopter, a Bell 212, was carrying 12 people when it suddenly fell into the waters of the Maduru Oya Reservoir. Initial footage showed the aircraft splitting in mid-air before hitting the water. All passengers were pulled from the wreckage alive, but four special forces troops and two air force gunners later died from their injuries.
The remaining six survivors, which include the helicopter’s two pilots, are receiving treatment at Palonnaruwa Hospital. Authorities have not released information about their conditions.
The group was participating in a passing out ceremony—a formal military tradition marking the completion of training—when the crash occurred. The flight was part of the day’s official proceedings.
Emergency services responded quickly, combing through debris floating on the surface of the reservoir. Investigators are now trying to understand what caused the aircraft to fail so suddenly. So far, the Sri Lankan Air Force has not provided any explanation or early findings.
The crash bears a chilling similarity to another Bell 212 incident that occurred almost exactly a year ago in Iran. That crash claimed the lives of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and seven others, including the country’s foreign minister, after bad weather brought the aircraft down.
The Bell 212, a twin-engine utility helicopter, has been used by military forces around the world for decades. Though generally known for its reliability, the model has been involved in several high-profile accidents in recent years.
As the investigation in Sri Lanka continues, families of the victims and the broader military community are left mourning a devastating loss during what was meant to be a celebratory occasion.