The wreckage of the ill-fated Bell 212 helicopter of the Sri Lanka Air Force was recovered this evening from the Maduru Oya reservoir, following a joint salvage operation carried out by the Sri Lanka Navy and the Sri Lanka Air Force.
The helicopter, attached to the 7th Squadron of the Hingurakgoda Air Force Base, crashed into the reservoir yesterday (9) while participating in a demonstration exercise during a Special Forces passing out parade at the Maduru Oya Special Forces base.
Twelve military personnel were on board at the time of the incident. Six soldiers, including four from the Special Forces and two Air Force personnel, lost their lives. The remaining six sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment at the emergency unit of the Polonnaruwa General Hospital.
In the wake of the crash, the Air Force Commander has ordered a special investigation to determine the cause of the accident.
The passing out parade, which was to feature 130 Special Forces troops, was immediately suspended following the tragedy.
Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Coast Guard launched an operation to manage the oil spill caused by the crash of the Bell 212 helicopter into the Maduru Oya Reservoir.
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