A Pakistani army Mi-17 helicopter crashed in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, killing at least 22 military personnel, according to security sources.
At least 22 military personnel have been killed after a Pakistani army helicopter crashed in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, according to security sources and military officials.
The Mi-17 transport helicopter went down near Muzaffarabad, the regional capital, on Wednesday during a routine operation. Videos from the scene showed thick black smoke rising from the crash site shortly after the aircraft went down.
Pakistan’s military confirmed the crash, stating that the helicopter went down during take-off due to a technical fault. All personnel on board were killed in the incident.
While official authorities have not publicly confirmed the full casualty list, security sources reported that the victims included a colonel, two officers of major rank, and 19 soldiers.
The deceased were later given a formal military burial on Thursday, with flag-draped coffins carried by an artillery unit in a ceremony attended by military personnel.
The crash occurred during a sensitive period in the region, where security tensions have been high following recent clashes between security forces and banned civil society groups. Those clashes had previously resulted in multiple fatalities and unrest in the area.
Authorities have rejected any link between the ongoing local tensions and the helicopter crash, emphasizing that the incident was caused by a technical malfunction.
Investigations into the cause of the crash are expected to continue as officials review the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident.
The tragedy has raised concerns over military aviation safety in difficult terrain, where operations are often conducted in challenging weather and geographic conditions.
