Five martyred as army aviation copter crashes in G-B: ISPR

GILGIT: Two pilots and three technical personnel of the Pakistan Army embraced martyrdom on Monday after a military helicopter crashed near the Thore area of Chilas in the Diamer district of Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B).

A statement issued by the ISPR said, a helicopter crashed near Hudur village, about 12 kilometers from Thakdas Cantt.

The helicopter was on a routine training flight when it developed a technical fault. It crashed during an emergency landing attempt, according to the ISPR.

According to the Diamer District Police Officer (DPO) Abdul Hameed, the incident involved an MI-17 helicopter, which was carrying two army major pilots and three members of the technical crew.

“All five onboard lost their lives in the crash,” the DPO told HUM News English.

A statement issued by the Gilgit-Baltistan Information Department said the crash occurred due to a technical malfunction.

“The helicopter attempted an emergency landing following a technical fault, but subsequently crashed,” the statement added.

Attack on police mobile in Naran leaves two policemen injured

Sources at Chilas Regional Headquarters Hospital identified the martyred individuals by their first names as Major Atif, Major Faisal, Naib Subedar Maqbool, Havaldar Jahangir, and Naik Aamir.

The Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister expressed deep sorrow over the incident and directed relevant authorities to immediately reach the crash site.

Officials from the district administration, law enforcement agencies, and rescue teams were dispatched to the area soon after the incident.

Commander FCNA, Director General GB Scouts, and the Commissioner of Diamer Division were also present at the site, alongside a large number of local residents.

Efforts were underway to extinguish the fire that broke out in the helicopter following the crash.

It is worth mentioning that on August 15, a government helicopter had crashed during relief operations in Mohmand district, resulting in the martyrdom of two pilots and five crew members.