Agencies | Muzaffarabad:
An Mi-17 helicopter belonging to the Pakistan Army Aviation crashed near Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Wednesday, killing all personnel on board, according to Pakistan military officials.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistan military, confirmed the incident and stated that there were no survivors. However, it did not disclose the exact number of personnel who lost their lives in the crash.
In a brief statement, the ISPR said the helicopter crashed during take-off due to a technical fault. Rescue and recovery teams were immediately dispatched to the site following the accident.
A board of inquiry has been constituted to determine the precise cause of the crash and investigate the reported technical malfunction.
Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq expressed grief over the tragedy and extended condolences to the families of the deceased.
Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, along with all ranks of the Pakistan Army, also conveyed their sorrow over the loss of lives.
“The Pakistan Army expresses deep grief over the tragic loss of precious lives and extends heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families,” the ISPR said.
The latest crash adds to a series of recent aviation accidents in Pakistan. In September last year, an army helicopter crashed in the Diamer district of Gilgit-Baltistan, killing five military personnel. In August 2025, a helicopter operated by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government crashed in Mohmand district due to adverse weather conditions, resulting in the deaths of five people, including both pilots.
