This photo taken on Sept. 8, 2026 shows the site of a helicopter crash in the state of Sarawak, Malaysia. (Bernama/Handout via Xinhua)
Kuala Lumpur: All five people aboard a helicopter that crashed in the Malaysian state of Sarawak have been confirmed dead, according to local authorities on Tuesday.
This photo taken on Sept. 8, 2026 shows the site of a helicopter crash in the state of Sarawak, Malaysia. (Bernama/Handout via Xinhua)
The victims include a pilot and four Health Ministry personnel who were part of the flying doctor service, with the helicopter having crashed near the Long Lellang Short Take-Off and Landing Airport (STOLport) around 340 p.m. local time, according to the Miri Division Disaster Management Committee chairman Galong Luang.
"This is based on reports from the Fire and Rescue Department and the Health Ministry," he told Bernama.
Earlier, Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said the helicopter departed from Miri district, and besides the pilot, those onboard were a medical officer, an assistant medical officer and two nurses, all of whom were on official duty.
Video and photos circulating on social media showed the helicopter, a BO-105, on fire and trailing smoke, flying at low altitude.
