Pakistan: Five killed as army helicopter crashes in Gilgit-Baltistan
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Güneşli
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Güneşli
A Pakistan Army Aviation helicopter crashed in the Diamer district of Gilgit-Baltistan on Monday, resulting in the deaths of all five crew members on board.
The incident occurred around 10:00 AM in the Thor Valley area near Chilas, a mountainous region known for its challenging terrain, local sources reported.
According to Faizullah Firaq, a spokesperson for the Gilgit-Baltistan government, the helicopter was conducting a test landing on a newly proposed helipad when it developed a technical fault and crashed. The crew consisted of two pilots and three technicians.
The crash site was quickly secured by local authorities, and rescue operations were launched. Firefighting teams worked to extinguish the blaze, while medical personnel were placed on high alert at the Chilas Hospital. Gilgit-Baltistan's Chief Minister, Haji Gulbar Khan, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and directed immediate assistance to the affected area.
This incident is part of a series of aviation accidents in Pakistan. Just weeks earlier, a government MI-17 helicopter crashed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Bajaur district during flood relief operations, killing all five crew members. In September 2024, another helicopter went down in the northwest due to engine failure, resulting in six fatalities.
The Gilgit-Baltistan government has initiated an investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash. The incident underscores the risks associated with air operations in Pakistan's rugged northern regions, where technical failures can have devastating consequences.
The helicopter involved in Monday's crash was used by the Gilgit-Baltistan government for relief and rescue missions, highlighting the critical role of military aviation in providing assistance to remote and disaster-stricken areas.
The loss of five lives in this tragic accident has deeply affected the local community and the broader nation, prompting an outpouring of condolences and support from across Pakistan.
As investigations continue, authorities are expected to review safety protocols and maintenance procedures to prevent future incidents and ensure the safety of personnel involved in high-risk operations. (ILKHA)
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