Pilots, Special Forces Survive Sri Lanka Air Force Helicopter Crash

COLOMBO (News 1st): All 12 personnel aboard the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) Bell 212 helicopter that crashed into the Maduru Oya Reservoir earlier this morning have been rescued safely, according to SLAF Spokesperson Group Captain Eranda Geeganage.

The helicopter, which took off from the Hingurakgoda Air Force Base, was on a drill exhibition over the Maduru Oya area when it went down at approximately 8:17 a.m.

Among those rescued were two pilots and several members of the Sri Lanka Army’s Special Forces. Eleven of the twelve individuals have been admitted to hospital for medical evaluation and treatment.