A tragic helicopter crash in Sri Lanka claimed the lives of six people during a military graduation ceremony on Friday, according to the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF).
The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning, involving a Bell 212 helicopter that was carrying 12 personnel.
The helicopter was participating in a rope-climbing drill as part of the graduation exercises when it went down unexpectedly.
Among the victims were four special forces personnel and two Air Force gunners, who succumbed to their injuries at the scene. The remaining six individuals on board sustained injuries and were immediately transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Authorities have yet to confirm the cause of the crash, and an investigation is currently underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The SLAF has not released further details pending the outcome of the official inquiry.
The accident has drawn national attention and cast a shadow over what was intended to be a ceremonial and celebratory military event.
The Bell 212 is a widely used utility helicopter known for its reliability in both combat and rescue operations, making the crash particularly concerning for aviation and defence experts.
This incident adds to a growing list of helicopter accidents in South Asia, raising questions about aircraft maintenance standards and operational protocols during high-risk demonstrations.
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