Due to the adverse weather conditions, a helicopter involved in rescue operations to assist affected people met with an accident yesterday (30) afternoon in the Lunuwila area, resulting in the death of the aircraft’s pilot, Sri Lanka Latest News reports.
The pilot, who was a Wing Commander, died while receiving treatment at the Marawila Base Hospital.
He was a 41-year-old Air Force pilot.
The unfortunate accident involved a Bell 212 aircraft.
Since this morning (30), the helicopter had been engaged in a major operation to deliver food and relief items to people affected by the disaster.
The accident occurred while delivering food and essential supplies to a group of people near the Lunuwila bridge.
Because people were standing on the bridge, the planned operation was disrupted, and the aircraft attempted a safe landing. It was during this attempt that the accident took place.
Four other personnel who were onboard the helicopter are currently receiving treatment at the Marawila Hospital.
