Recovery Operations Begin for Bell 212 Helicopter Crash in Maduru Oya

COLOMBO(News 1st) - The Sri Lanka Air Force says that work has begun to recover the Bell 212 helicopter that crashed into the Maduru Oya Reservoir.

The Sri Lanka Air Force said that it is working in conjunction with the Navy.

The Sri Lanka Air Force said that an on-site investigation has also been initiated in the Maduru Oya reservoir regarding the accident.

The on-site investigation is being conducted by a 9-member investigation board appointed by the Commander of the Air Force to investigate the accident.

Meanwhile, the two pilots and four army personnel who were injured in the accident are currently receiving treatment at the Polonnaruwa Hospital.

The Sri Lanka Air Force said that their health conditions will be checked and the Army personnel will be referred to the Army Hospital and the Air Force personnel to the Hingurakgoda Hospital.

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 post-mortem examinations.

Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara says the exact cause of the Maduru Oya Bell 212 helicopter crash will be revealed after receiving the investigation board's report.