10 die in tragic chopper crash

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam last night consented to send a message of condolence to the family members of the victims of yesterday afternoon's tragic accident involving a Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF) Bell 212 helicopter in Ulu Belait that involved the loss of lives, injuries and the missing personnel of Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF).

The tragic accident involving 14 members of the RBAF resulted in 10 deaths, two injuries and two unaccounted for.

In the message, His Majesty expressed great sadness upon knowing of the tragic accident, and extended his condolences to the family members of the victims involved. His Majesty hoped that they would be patient, and also prayed that the souls of the victims would be blessed and placed with the pious.

For those who were injured, His Majesty prayed for their swift recovery.

With regards to those who are still missing, His Majesty commanded the RBAF and relevant agencies to carry on urgent and continuous action to find and account for the missing personnel.

Following the accident, His Majesty consented to go to the RBAirF Base to personally observe the victims who were flown back from the crash site.

Also present at the RBAirF Base was HRH Second Lieutenant Prince 'Abdul Mateen.

His Majesty then consented to go to the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital to observe the condition of the victims who were receiving treatment. While at the RBAirF Base and at RIPAS Hospital, His Majesty consented to meet the families of the victims.

According to a press release from the Ministry of Defence, the military aircraft was carrying 14 passengers - three crew members and 11 officer cadets - who were returning back to Bandar Seri Begawan after undergoing their training. - Borneo Bulletin (21 July 2012)


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