Six people killed after helicopter crashes into reservoir in Sri Lanka

At least six people have been killed in a helicopter crash in Sri Lanka that happened during a military passing out ceremony.

The Bell 212 Helicopter with 12 people – including the two pilots – on board plunged into Maduru Oya Reservoir, a 175 square mile pool of water north-east of Colombo.

Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) said the incident happened in the early hours of this morning.

Four Special Forces personnel and two helicopter gunmen died, while six others were taken to hospital.

SLAF spokesperson 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.’

Six people have been killed in the crash (Picture: adaderana) The helicopter crashed into the Maduru Oya Reservoir (Picture: adaderana)

He declined to share further details on the possible reason for the crash. 

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