Tawau helicopter crash: 19 including pilot injured

A total of 19 people were injured in the helicopter crash in Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Balung today morning.

Tawau district Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Fadil Marsus who confirmed the crash, said those injured were five students and 14 crew including the pilot.

He said those who injured have been sent to the Tawau Hospital for treatment.

“A number of students were traumatised because of the incident and currently, the hospital, Malaysia Civil Defence Department (JPAM), the fire department, military investigators and the police are trying to control the incident area and conduct investigations.

“We will close the school temporarily," he said in a press conference today which was uploaded on the police Facebook page.

READ: TUDM helicopter crashes into school in Tawau

READ: Helicopter made an emergency landing, says TUDM

Meanwhile, Fadil also confirmed that some of the victims were seriously injured and the pilot was the last person to be rescued from the crashed helicopter.

He added that the school has been declared as a restricted area and students have been evacuated to safety.

PHOTO ALBUM: TUDM helicopter crashes into Tawau school

It was understood that the helicopter was conducting its monthly continuous training when the incident happened.