KP govt helicopter crashes in Mohmand, five killed

PESHAWAR: A Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government helicopter that had gone missing during a relief mission crashed near Chengai Banda in the Sokai area of Mohmand district, killing five crew on board, officials confirmed on Friday.

KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur said in a statement: “An MI-17 helicopter of the provincial government, carrying relief goods for rain-affected areas of Bajaur, crashed in the Pandiyali area of Mohmand district due to bad weather. “Five crew members, including two pilots, were killed.”

باجوڑ کے بارشوں سے متاثرہ علاقوں میں امدادی سامان لے جانے والا صوبائی حکومت کا ایم آئی 17 ہیلی کاپٹر خراب موسم کی وجہ سے کریش کر گیا۔ اس افسوسناک حادثے میں دو پائلٹ سمیت عملے کے پانچ افراد شہید ہوئے۔
وزیر اعلیٰ خیبر پختونخوا علی امین گنڈاپور

— Government of KP (@GovernmentKP) August 15, 2025

The MI-17 helicopter was carrying a rescue team and relief supplies to Bajaur when it went down.

The aircraft had been engaged in rescue operations in Mohmand when contact was lost due to bad weather, prompting an immediate search operation.

The chief minister had earlier deployed the helicopter for relief operations, using it to transport people to safer areas and deliver medicines and other essential supplies. He is personally monitoring ongoing rescue efforts in the affected districts, officials said.

The provincial government had also dispatched a helicopter to assist with relief operations in Buner district, where heavy monsoon rains caused severe flooding and trapped residents on rooftops.

The helicopter’s mission was to evacuate those stranded and deliver essential aid to the flood-affected population.

KP government spokesperson said in view of the deadly floods triggered by heavy monsoon spell, an emergency had been declared in the province, with chief minister’s orders to set up shelters in government buildings.

He added that affected people were being shifted to safe locations, while hospitals, doctors and support staff had been placed on high alert.

Floods claim at least 202 lives in KP

According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), at least 202 people, including women and children, were killed as deadly floods hit different parts of Malakand Division and adjoining areas in KP.

It was a cloudburst that devastated Buner where the deputy commissioner confirmed the death of 78 people, resulting in imposition of flood emergency.

Heavy downpour started lashing the region on Thursday night and continued well into the Friday morning, destroying many houses and other buildings as well as farmland.

The PDMA, Rescue 1122 and other agencies are continuing relief operations. The PDMA control room can be contacted at 1700 to report emergencies.