A pilot and four Health Ministry (MOH) personnel were confirmed dead after the Flying Doctor Service (FDS) helicopter they were travelling in crashed near the Long Lellang Short Take-Off and Landing Airport (STOLport) this afternoon. – Pic credit Facebook/Alexon Adit

MIRI: A pilot and four Health Ministry (MOH) personnel were confirmed dead after the Flying Doctor Service (FDS) helicopter they were travelling in crashed near the Long Lellang Short Take-Off and Landing Airport (STOLport) this afternoon.

Miri Division Resident and chairman of the Miri Division Disaster Management Committee, Galong Luang, confirmed that all five people on board the helicopter died in the crash, which occurred at about 3.40pm.

“This is based on reports from the Fire and Rescue Department and the Ministry of Health,” he said when contacted.

However, Galong was unable to provide further details about the incident or the identities of the victims.

Earlier, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the helicopter departed from Miri, and besides the pilot, those onboard were a medical officer, an assistant medical officer and two nurses, all of whom were on official duty.