"A national tragedy" - these are the only words that can depict the helicopter crash that took place yesterday.

The tragic accident, which occurred in Ulu Belait, involved 14 members of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF), resulting in the death of 10, leaving two injured and two still missing.

The atmosphere last night at Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital's Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department was filled with anxiety and tension, as family members awaited news on the victims.

The two who survived were at the A&E receiving treatment for their injuries.

In a show of what can only be described as care for the welfare of loyal subjects, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam last night consented to visit the injured two.

While at the hospital, the benevolent monarch ob-served the condition of the victims receiving treatment, showing concern for the two RBAF personnel.

The Commander of the RBAF, Major General Dato Paduka Seri Hj Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Hj Abidin, was also present.

The Ministry of Health's commitment was also evident by the presence of the Minister of Health, Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Mohd Yusof, who made sure that the survivors were given the best possible treatments for their injuries.

Other senior officials from the ministry were also present.

Prior to visiting the injured at RIPAS Hospital, His Majesty went to the Royal Brunei Air Force Base in Rimba to personally observe the victims who were flown back from the crash site. - Borneo Bulletin (21 July 2012)