Gilgit-Baltistan govt's Mi-17 helicopter crashes in Chilas, 5 crew members martyred

Chilas: A Pakistan Army helicopter crashed in the Chilas area of ​​​​Diamer district of Gilgit-Baltistan, 5 crew members, including the pilot and co-pilot were martyred in the accident.

ISPR Gilgit-Baltistan has confirmed the crash of an army helicopter in Diamer and 5 casualities.

The ISPR said that a Pakistan Army MI-17 helicopter has crashed, resulting in the martyrdom of 5 crew members including 2 pilots.

The provincial government has imposed an emergency in Diamer Hospital and has directed the medical staff to remain alert. The Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan and the Governor have expressed deep sorrow and regret over the deaths resulting from the helicopter crash in Diamer.

Earlier, Gilgit-Baltistan government spokesperson Faizullah Faraqi had said that ‘one of our helicopters has crashed in Thor, Chilas’.

He stated that the helicopter was carrying two pilots and three technical crew members. Diamer Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Abdul Hameed also stated that ‘according to reports, 5 people have died in the helicopter crash’.

According to SSP Abdul Hameed, the helicopter was making a test landing on a proposed new helipad. Diamer police and rescue teams immediately reached the accident site and started rescue operations.

Regarding the cause of the accident, the SSP said that it was too early to say anything, while the GB government spokesperson initially called ‘technical fault’ the cause of the accident.