Civilian helicopter crashes in Semenyih

Three bodies have been found following the helicopter crash at Jalan Sungai Lalang, Kampung Pasir Baru, Semenyih near here this afternoon while the search for three more passengers of the ill-fated helicopter was ongoing.

A spokesman of the rescue team from the Civil Defence Department (JPAM) said the search operation for the other victims was being intensified.

In addition, the JPAM was waiting for the police forensics unit to confirm the identity of the victims, he told Bernama here today.

A helicopter, believed to be owned by a private company, crashed and caught fire at about 4.55pm today. Six people were believed to be on board the helicopter.

The Star reported that at least six people including several VIPs are believed to be on board the helicopter.

Transport Minister, Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai on Twitter said he was deeply saddened by the tragedy.

English daily, The New Straits Times tweeted confirming Malaysia's Special Envoy to the United States, Tan Sri Jamaluddin Jarjis was one of the passengers on board the ill-fated helicopter.

At approximately 8.30pm, the Fire and Rescue Department tweeted some images of the tragedy.

The helicopter with six people on board which crashed in a rubber plantation in Jalan Sungai Lalang, Kampung Pasir Baru, Semenyih this evening, was seen to have exploded in mid-air before hitting the ground.

A witness, Roslan Harun, 54, a security guard on duty near the scene, said the mishap occured during heavy rain, Bernama reported.

"It exploded in mid-air, not so high from the ground. Then, the debris, tail and blades were thrown all over the place," he said.

Roslan said he had wanted to enter the crash site to offer help and assistance, but changed his mind and called the Fire and Rescue Department instead.

He said the crash site was about 5 kilometre away from Kampung Sungai Pening or 13 km from the Semenyih town.

So far, no bodies had been taken out of the crash site.