5 confirmed dead following helicopter crash in Malaysia's Sarawak

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- All five aboard a helicopter that crashed in the state of Sarawak are confirmed dead, Malaysian authorities said on Tuesday.

The victims include a pilot and four Health Ministry personnel who were part of the flying doctor service, with the helicopter having crashed near the Long Lellang Short Take-Off and Landing Airport (STOLport) around 3:40 p.m. local time, according to the Miri Division Disaster Management Committee chairman Galong Luang.

"This is based on reports from the Fire and Rescue Department and the Health Ministry," he told Bernama.

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

Video and photos circulating on social media showed the helicopter, a BO-105, on fire and trailing smoke, flying at low altitude.