Board of inquiry has been ordered to ascertain exact technical cause of accident, military says
An army MI-17 helicopter. PHOTO: AFP
An Mi-17 helicopter of the Pakistan Army Aviation crashed near Muzaffarabad during take-off due to a technical fault, the military’s media wing said on Wednesday. There were no survivors.
According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), all personnel on board embraced martyrdom. “Rescue and recovery teams immediately reached the crash site,” said the ISPR, adding that “a board of inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the exact technical cause of the accident”.
Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir and all ranks of the Pakistan Army express deep grief over the tragic loss of precious lives and extend heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the statement concluded.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed deep sorrow and grief over the tragic crash of the Pakistan Army Mi-17 helicopter near Muzaffarabad.
He paid tribute to all personnel who were martyred in the incident, saying the entire nation salutes the sacrifices of its brave soldiers. The PM also prayed for the elevation of the ranks of the martyrs and for patience and strength for their bereaved families.
