Six bodies recovered from military helicopter crash site in Philippines
The Philippine military confirmed that a helicopter involved in disaster relief operations after Typhoon Kalmaegi crashed on Tuesday, killing all six crew members aboard.
According to the military, a search and recovery team later found the wreckage of the Super Huey helicopter on the island of Mindanao, along with six bodies believed to be those of the pilot and crew. The identities of the victims are being withheld pending notification of their families, News.Az reports citing foreign media.
The Philippine Air Force (PAF), in a separate release, said the helicopter was part of a formation of four aircraft that had taken off from Davao for Butuan to conduct a Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA) mission.
Communication with the ill-fated helicopter was lost mid-flight, prompting the immediate launch of a search and rescue operation.
The PAF said a thorough investigation has been ordered to determine the circumstances and cause of the crash. Local residents near the crash site reported spotting what appeared to be burned bodies, though the military has yet to confirm further details.
Meanwhile, authorities said the death toll from Typhoon Kalmaegi continued to climb, reaching 40 across the central Philippines by late Tuesday, as rescue and relief efforts intensified in storm-ravaged areas.
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