Helicopter Crash Kills 5 in Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan

A Pakistan Army MI-17 helicopter crashed on Monday morning in Diamer district, killing five army personnel on board.

The helicopter was on a training flight when it developed a technical fault near Hudor village, close to Chilas. Around 10 a.m., it attempted a test landing at a newly proposed helipad but lost control and went down. The crash site lies about 12 kilometers from the Thakdas Cantonment.

The victims included two pilots and three crew members. Officials identified them as Major Atif (pilot in command), Major Faisal (co-pilot), Naib Subedar Maqbool (flight engineer), Havaldar Jahangir, and Naik Amir (crew). Rescue teams confirmed that all five died instantly.

Local police, army officials, and rescue workers rushed to the spot. They put out the fire caused by the crash and recovered the bodies. Authorities shifted the remains to Chilas Hospital, where doctors remained on high alert to assist.

Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. He praised the sacrifice of the deceased soldiers and assured that the government would fully support their families. He also ordered a detailed inquiry into the incident.

Officials stated that a technical fault caused the helicopter to crash. The Pakistan Army has launched an investigation to confirm the reason.

This incident is not the first of its kind. Pakistan has seen several military helicopter crashes in recent years, especially in its mountainous regions. Earlier this year, another army helicopter crashed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during a relief operation, also claiming lives.

The latest accident highlights the risks of flying in Pakistan’s rough terrain, where sudden weather changes and difficult landing zones often challenge pilots. Despite these dangers, the army continues to carry out critical missions in the region.

The nation mourns the loss of five dedicated soldiers who served their country until their final moments.