Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - April 23 - Ten people, including three women, lost their lives today in a mid-air collision involving two Royal Malaysian Navy helicopters. The incident occurred during a rehearsal for a navy parade at the Lumut naval base in Perak state.

The Royal Malaysian Navy confirmed that multiple helicopters were participating in the rehearsal when two collided. The cause of the accident remains under investigation, but officials have launched a probe involving personnel from the navy, fire department, and police department.

The deceased included seven crew members, with three women among them. All remains have been transported to Raja Permasuri Banun Hospital in Ipoh for identification and post-mortem procedures.

Authorities expressed their condolences, with Squadron 503 mourning the loss of four of its crew members. Lieutenant Commander Mohd Fadzil Salleh, a navy spokesperson, identified Squadron 503's commanding officer, Commander Muhammad Firdaus Ramli, as one of the experienced pilots who perished in the accident.

The families of the victims received support as they were flown to Kuala Lumpur from Kota Kinabalu International Airport aboard a Royal Malaysian Air Force aircraft. This tragic accident casts a shadow over the upcoming naval anniversary celebrations.