Pakistan Army helicopter crashes near Muzaffarabad, no survivors
By The South Asia Times
ISLAMABAD - An Mi-17 helicopter of the Pakistan Army Aviation crashed near Muzaffarabad today during take-off due to a technical fault, according to the military's media wing.
All personnel on board embraced Shahadat (martyrdom), with no survivors, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.
Rescue and recovery teams immediately reached the crash site. A board of inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the exact technical cause of the accident.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), and the Chief of Defense Forces, and all ranks of the Pakistan Army expressed deep grief over the tragic loss of precious lives and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed deep sorrow over the crash, offering condolences to the families of the martyred personnel and paying tribute to their sacrifices for the nation.
