3 killed in military helicopter crash

By AFP

YANGON — Three Tatmadaw officers were killed when their helicopter crashed into a hillside and burst into flames in the country’s central region Tuesday, the military said in a statement.

The MI2 helicopter went down mid-morning after it hit poor weather in Bago Region, according to the statement released by the office of the army’s commander-in-chief.

It was flying south from Meiktila to an air base near Yangon, the former capital and largest city.

“All three crew members… who were on board died on the spot,” the statement said.

Support more independent journalism like this. Sign up to be a Frontier member.

“Authorities plan to investigate the cause of helicopter crash,” it added.

A senior military officer from the army chief’s office confirmed the accident but did not provide any further details.

Myanmar has a busy aviation sector, partly to compensate for the country’s poor road and rail infrastructure.

In February, all five crew died when a Myanmar air force plane crashed in the Nay Pyi Taw soon after take-off.

Last year an Air Bagan ATR 72 twin-engine turboprop carrying 49 passengers skidded off the runway after landing during heavy rain at Yangon International Airport.

More stories

Latest Issue

Stories in this issue
Myanmar enters 2021 with more friends than foes
The early delivery of vaccines is one of the many boons of the country’s geopolitics, but to really take advantage, Myanmar must bury the legacy of its isolationist past.
Will the Kayin BGF go quietly?
The Kayin State Border Guard Force has come under intense pressure from the Tatmadaw over its extensive, controversial business interests and there’s concern the ultimatum could trigger fresh hostilities in one of the country’s most war-torn areas.

Support our independent journalism and get exclusive behind-the-scenes content and analysis

Stay on top of Myanmar current affairs with our Daily Briefing and Media Monitor newsletters.

Sign up for our Frontier Fridays newsletter. It’s a free weekly round-up featuring the most important events shaping Myanmar