Sri Lanka Air Force Bell 212 Helicopter Crashes During Rescue Operations

A Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) helicopter engaged in critical disaster relief operations crashed this evening in the western coastal region, according to statements released by local police and confirmed by the Air Force. The incident occurred just minutes ago in the Wennappuwa–Lunuwila area, where the Bell 212 helicopter, a workhorse aircraft used heavily in recent days, went down into the Gin River. This crash immediately follows a devastating week of unprecedented floods and landslides across the island, which were triggered by the passage of Cyclone Ditwah, making the loss of an air asset and potential loss of life a double blow to the nation’s ongoing humanitarian efforts.

Details regarding the cause of the crash and the status of the crew remain extremely fluid as the military and police launch immediate rescue and recovery operations at the site. The helicopter had been deployed to aid communities cut off by flooding, underscoring the high-risk nature of the current military-led relief mission in challenging weather conditions. While initial reports from the scene indicated that the aircraft had gone into the Gin River near the Wennappuwa area, the Sri Lanka Air Force has yet to release an official statement confirming the number of personnel on board, their identities, or the extent of any casualties. However, a police spokesperson did confirm that the accident occurred and that immediate measures were being taken to secure the site and locate any survivors. The Bell 212 is typically crewed by two pilots and can carry several passengers, often including special forces or disaster relief personnel during emergency missions.

The crash brings renewed scrutiny to the dangers faced by military pilots and crews who have been flying relentlessly over the past few days, often in poor visibility and gusty winds, to deliver essential food supplies and rescue civilians trapped by rising floodwaters and landslides in districts like Ratnapura and Galle. This incident marks the second major air force accident this year, following a fatal crash in May that claimed the lives of six servicemen during a military exercise in Maduru Oya. With large sections of the country already mourning the loss of life and grappling with widespread displacement caused by the cyclone, the news of the downed helicopter adds a layer of deep concern and sadness across the nation. Military officials are now diverting resources, including additional helicopters and specialized recovery teams, to the Wennappuwa area, prioritizing the immediate search for the crew while simultaneously attempting to manage the ongoing disaster relief operations that are crucial to the hundreds of thousands of people affected by the floods. A thorough investigation is expected to be launched by the Commander of the Air Force as soon as the site is secured and the immediate emergency response is complete, with preliminary focus likely centring on potential mechanical failure or the impact of adverse weather during the relief sortie.