Pakistan Army Mi-17 helicopter crashes near zuzaffarabad, all onboard personnel martyred

Muzaffarabad: A Pakistan Army Mi-17 helicopter crashed near Muzaffarabad, the capital of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, due to a technical malfunction during takeoff. All personnel onboard embraced martyrdom, and no survivors were reported.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the incident occurred when an Army Aviation Mi-17 helicopter was taking off on a routine flight and suffered a technical fault, causing it to lose control and crash.

The military spokesperson stated that rescue and relief teams reached the site immediately after the accident and launched emergency operations. However, all personnel onboard were confirmed martyred.

The spokesperson further said that a Board of Inquiry has been constituted to determine the exact cause of the crash and conduct a detailed investigation into the technical aspects of the incident.

Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), and personnel of all ranks expressed deep grief and sorrow over the tragic accident. In an official statement, the armed forces paid tribute to the sacrifices of the martyred personnel and extended heartfelt condolences to their families.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif also expressed profound grief and sorrow over the tragic crash of the Pakistan Army Mi-17 helicopter near Muzaffarabad.

Paying tribute to the martyred personnel, the Prime Minister said that the entire nation salutes the sacrifices of its brave sons. He also prayed for the elevation of the martyrs’ ranks and for patience and strength for their bereaved families.