Pakistan Army MI-17 Helicopter Crashes Near Muzaffarabad; All Personnel on Board Martyred

ISLAMABAD: A Pakistan Army Aviation MI-17 helicopter crashed near Muzaffarabad after developing a technical fault during takeoff, resulting in the martyrdom of all personnel on board, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The military’s media wing stated that the helicopter met with an accident due to a technical malfunction shortly after takeoff. Rescue and recovery teams were immediately dispatched to the crash site.

ISPR said that all occupants of the helicopter embraced martyrdom in the tragic incident. A Board of Inquiry has been ordered to determine the exact technical causes of the crash.

Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces expressed profound grief over the loss of precious lives in the accident and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Officers and soldiers of the Pakistan Army also expressed sorrow over the tragic loss.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep condolences over the crash of the Pakistan Army MI-17 helicopter near Muzaffarabad and paid tribute to the martyred personnel. He prayed for the elevation of the martyrs’ ranks and for patience and strength for their families, saying that the entire nation salutes the sacrifices of its brave sons.

President Asif Ali Zardari also expressed grief over the accident and conveyed his sympathies to the families of the martyred personnel. He said that the nation pays tribute to the great sacrifices of the martyrs and stands in solidarity with their families in this difficult time.