Pakistan Army Mi-17 helicopter crashes near Muzaffarabad

RAWALPINDI: An Mi-17 helicopter of Pakistan Army Aviation crashed near Muzaffarabad during take-off due to a technical fault, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Wednesday.

According to the military’s media wing, all personnel on board were killed in the incident. There were no survivors.

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

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

The Chief of Army Staff and all ranks of the Pakistan Army expressed deep grief over the loss of precious lives and extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased.

President Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep sorrow and grief over the crash of a Pakistan Army Mi-17 helicopter near Muzaffarabad.

The president extended heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the families of the personnel who were martyred in the incident.

He said the nation pays tribute to the sacrifices of the martyrs and stands in solidarity with their bereaved families in their time of grief.

Zardari prayed for the elevation of the ranks of the deceased and for patience and strength for their loved ones.