Army Helicopter Crashes in Mountainous Gilgit-Baltistan Region During Test Landing, All Five Personnel Killed
Islamabad (The Uttam Hindu): A tragic incident has struck Gilgit-Baltistan, the northern region of Pakistan, where a Pakistan Army helicopter crashed during a routine flight, resulting in the deaths of all five personnel on board, including two pilots and three technicians.
According to government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq, the helicopter was conducting a test landing on a newly constructed helipad when the crash occurred. Initial findings point to a technical malfunction as the likely cause. The chopper reportedly caught fire after impact, making survival impossible for the crew.
Military investigation teams have rushed to the crash site to conduct a detailed probe into the exact cause of the accident. The incident comes at a time when heavy monsoon rains and flooding are impacting large parts of Pakistan, with helicopters being extensively deployed for rescue and relief operations.
This marks the third major army helicopter crash in recent months in Pakistan. Just last month, a helicopter carrying relief supplies crashed in the flood-hit Bajaur region, killing all five personnel on board due to adverse weather conditions.
Another fatal incident occurred in September 2024, when a military chopper crashed due to engine failure, resulting in the death of six soldiers. The frequency of such crashes has raised concerns about the safety protocols and maintenance of military aircraft, particularly during high-stress operations like flood relief and emergency landings.
The Pakistan Army has yet to release the names of the deceased, but military and civilian condolences are pouring in, mourning the loss of lives in the line of duty.
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