Pakistan Army Mi-17 helicopter crashes near Muzaffarabad

RAWALPINDI: A Pakistan Army Aviation Mi-17 helicopter crashed near Muzaffarabad on Wednesday, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The military’s media wing said a “technical fault” occurred during the helicopter’s take-off, which led to the crash.

“All personnel on board embraced Shahadat. There were no survivors,” the ISPR said.

Rescue and recovery teams immediately reached the crash site and began operations.

The ISPR said that a board of inquiry has been ordered to determine the exact technical cause of the accident.

Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and all ranks of the Pakistan Army expressed deep grief over the tragic loss of lives and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.

Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed sorrow over the helicopter crash.

President Zardari offered condolences over the loss of military personnel and conveyed sympathy to the affected families.

“The nation pays tribute to the martyrs and shares the grief of their families,” Zardari said, adding that prayers were being offered for the elevation of the ranks of the deceased and patience for their loved ones.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed deep sorrow over the tragic accident and paid tribute to the personnel who lost their lives.

He said the entire nation salutes the sacrifices of its “brave sons” and prayed for strength for the bereaved families and for the departed souls.