Muzaffarabad, Pakistan – Web Desk: A Pakistan Army MI-17 helicopter crashed near Muzaffarabad due to a reported technical malfunction during takeoff, killing all military personnel and crew members on board, according to the military’s media wing.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the helicopter went down after experiencing a technical fault shortly after takeoff. All occupants of the aircraft were killed in the crash, with no survivors reported.
The military said a Board of Inquiry has been constituted to determine the circumstances and technical causes behind the accident. Officials added that the exact cause of the crash would be established after the completion of a detailed investigation.
Chief of Defence Forces expressed profound grief over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the families of the deceased personnel.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident, paying tribute to the military personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty. He said the nation salutes the sacrifices of its brave servicemen and prayed for strength and patience for the bereaved families.
Federal Minister for Communications and President of the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party, Abdul Aleem Khan, also offered condolences and prayers for the departed personnel. He said the sacrifices of those killed in the Army Aviation helicopter crash would always be remembered by the nation.
The incident has once again highlighted the risks faced by military aviation personnel during operational duties, while authorities continue efforts to determine the cause of the crash.
