All 12 individuals, including pilots, gunners, and army personnel, have been safely rescued following the crash of a Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) Bell 212 helicopter into the Maduru Oya reservoir this morning (9).

According to the SLAF, the helicopter was involved in a demonstration flight as part of a passing-out ceremony, when the incident occurred. The aircraft had been transporting army personnel at the time of the crash.

Emergency response teams swiftly conducted rescue operations, and no fatalities have been reported.

SLAF is expected to launch investigation into determining the cause of the accident.