MUZAFFARABAD: A military helicopter crashed near Muzaffarabad on Wednesday during takeoff after a reported technical fault, martyring all personnel on board, Pakistan’s Army media wing said in a statement.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the Army Aviation Mi-17 helicopter was on a routine flight when it developed a technical malfunction during takeoff.
Control of the aircraft was lost, and the helicopter crashed, according to the military statement.
All personnel on board were killed in the incident. No survivors were reported, confirmed the ISPR.
Rescue and relief teams reached the site immediately after the crash and launched operations.
The military said all fatalities were confirmed at the scene.
ISPR said a board of inquiry has been formed to determine the exact cause of the crash. Technical aspects of the incident will be examined in detail.
Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir expressed deep sorrow over the incident.
He paid tribute to the personnel killed in the crash and extended condolences to their families.
