The Philippine Air Force has confirmed that at least one person died after a military helicopter crashed off the coastal town of Getafe in Bohol on Tuesday morning.
Philippine Air Force spokesman LtCol Maynard Mariano said that the 15th Strike Wing figured in a mishap in the town at around 9:30AM.
RELATED STORY: WATCH: Two dead after plane used for baby’s gender reveal stunt crashes into sea
The MD-520MG aircraft was on a “maintenance flight” when the incident happened, Mariano told reporters.
“They took off from Mactan island, from our base, they are performing maintenance flight,” he said, adding they were doing a periodic “equipment check.”
Rescue teams immediately rushed to the crash site to immediately rescue members of the aircrew who were brought to the nearest hospital for proper medical attention. Three of the aircrew survived.
READ ON: Three injured following vehicle crash at Dubai store
“The men and women of the Philippine Air Force, led by the Commanding General, LTGEN ALLEN T PAREDES PAF, deeply grieves the loss of an aircrew who offered his life in the line of duty,” the Air Force said in a statement.
“As of this writing, families of the involved personnel are being informed of the incident. We request that while this is being done, all concerned will be sensitive to the families involved. The PAF will provide all necessary assistance and financial aid for the bereaved family,” the statement added. (TDT)
