Attempting to avoid more casualties, did he divert — losing his life?

A Sri Lanka Air Force pilot lost his life after a Bell-212 helicopter crashed during flood rescue operations in Wennappuwa yesterday.

A senior military official said, citing initial information, that Wing Commander Nirmal Siyambalapitiya had attempted an emergency landing on land after experiencing technical difficulties. However, noticing people gathered on the ground below, he may have diverted the helicopter to avoid potential casualties and guided it toward nearby water.

The helicopter crew were rescued from the crash site and rushed to hospital, where the pilot later succumbed to his injuries.

The aircraft was part of nationwide disaster relief operations assisting flood-affected communities. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the crash.