Investigation Launched into SLAF Bell 212 Crash at Maduru Oya

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara, says the exact cause of the Bell 212 helicopter crash at Maduru Oya will be revealed following the report from the appointed investigation board.

He said a nine-member board has been appointed under the instructions of the Air Force Commander to investigate the incident.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) states that steps have been taken to reconstruct the Bell 212 helicopter that crashed into the Maduru Oya reservoir yesterday. 

According to SLAF Spokesperson Group Captain Eranda Geeganage, reconstruction work is scheduled to commence this morning.

The two pilots and four army personnel who were on board are currently receiving treatment at the Polonnaruwa Hospital.

Group Captain Geeganage also confirmed that the bodies of the air force and army personnel who lost their lives in the crash will be handed over to their families today, following the completion of preliminary examinations.

The tragic incident claimed the lives of six SLAF and army personnel when the helicopter went down in the Maduru Oya reservoir yesterday.