Sri Lankan Air Force helicopter crashes

A Sri Lankan Air Force helicopter crashed in a remote jungle in the island’s south on Friday, a military spokesman said.

The MI—24 helicopter was engaged in training exercises when it went down near the town of Buttala, about 150 miles (240 kilometers) southeast of the capital Colombo, Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara said.

The pilots reported a mechanical problem before the crash. It was unclear if there any casualties and a rescue mission was launched, he said.