Bell 212 Crash Probe Underway

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The Bell 212 helicopter that crashed into the Maduru Oya reservoir is scheduled to be handed over to the Katunayake Air Force Engineering Unit today for further investigation.

A nine-member investigation board appointed to probe the incident, has already carried out on-site inspections.

Six Air Force and Army personnel lost their lives when the helicopter crashed into the reservoir the day before yesterday morning.

Sri Lanka Coast Guard said that the fuel spill resulting from the crash has been brought under control. The Sri Lanka Navy also confirmed that the oil slicks on the surface of the reservoir have been removed.

Meanwhile, the last rites of Army Special Forces Corporal Prasad Premarathna, who lost his life in the crash, are scheduled to be held today. He was a 27-year-old resident of Wariyapola.

According to the Army, the final rites of the remaining officers who lost their lives in the crash will be held tomorrow and the day after.

The two pilots and four Army personnel injured in the incident are currently receiving treatment at the Polonnaruwa General Hospital.