6 military personnel killed in Sri Lanka helicopter crash

Six military personnel have died following a helicopter crash in Sri Lanka, an Air Force official confirmed on Friday.

The Bell 212 helicopter, carrying 12 armed forces members, crashed into the Maduru Oya reservoir in central Sri Lanka.

According to Air Force spokesman Group Captain Eranda Geeganage, all six victims died after being rescued and taken to hospital.

“The helicopter was assigned to a grappling exercise during a passing-out parade. Four special forces personnel and two Air Force gunners died from their injuries,” Geeganage told Reuters.