Pakistan army's Mi-17 helicopter crashes in PoK, all onboard killed; technical fault suspected
PTC News Desk: An Mi-17 helicopter belonging to Pakistan army crashed near Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Wednesday, killing all 21 personnel on board.
According to initial reports, the helicopter was transporting additional troops in PoK’s Neelum Valley sector when it developed a technical fault during take-off.
The crash took place after the plane reportedly attempted an emergency landing but failed, killing all onboard.
There were no survivors.
“All personnel on board embraced martyrdom. There were no survivors,” the ISPR said in a statement. Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir and all ranks of the army “express deep grief over the tragic loss of precious lives and extend heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families,” it added.
Several rescue teams immediately swung into action and launched operations. Authorities have since secured the site and begun efforts to recover the wreckage.
An investigation into the crash has been launched and further details are awaited.
- With inputs from agencies
