ABIDJAN, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- A military helicopter crashed Tuesday into a river near Cote d'Ivoire's capital city of Abidjan, according to security sources.

The aircraft zigzagged before diving into the Comoe River in the sub-prefecture of Apele, some 60 km northeast of Abidjan. The three occupants onboard came out of the aircraft unharmed.

The Abidjan-based Linfodrome news portal said the helicopter belongs to the French Forces in Cote d'Ivoire, citing security personnel deployed at the scene. The cause of the crash is still unknown.

The accident happened just one month after a similar crash in which a private helicopter smashed into an apartment building in Adjouffou district near Abidjan airport, injuring five people.