A Bell 212 helicopter belonging to No. 07 Squadron at SLAF Base Hingurakgoda, crashed into the Maduru Oya Reservoir on today morning (09 May 2025), due to an emergency situation during the Heli-Rappelling demonstration held for the Army Special Forces Passing Out Parade.
The helicopter was airborne from Hingurakgoda Air Base at 06:46 am and proceeded to the Maduru Oya Army Special Forces Training School. The crash occurred shortly after takeoff for the Heli-Rappelling demonstration.
At the time of the incident, 12 individuals were on board, including the two pilots, aircrew members, and Army Special Forces personnel. All occupants were initially rescued and admitted to the Aralaganwila Hospital for emergency treatment. They were subsequently transferred to the Polonnaruwa Base Hospital for further medical care. After being detained at the Polonnaruwa Base Hospital, six individuals, comprising two Air Gunners and four Army Special Forces personnel, lost their lives as a result of the incident.
The Commander of the Air Force has appointed a nine-member Special Investigation Committee to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.
