Muzaffarabad (Rajeev Sharma): A Pakistan Army helicopter crashed in the mountainous region near Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on Wednesday, leaving all onboard personnel dead, according to military authorities.
The aircraft, an Mi-17 transport helicopter operated by the Pakistan Army Aviation unit, reportedly went down shortly after take-off. Officials said the incident appears to have been triggered by a technical malfunction during the early phase of flight.
In a short statement, the military confirmed that there were no survivors from the crash. However, it did not immediately release details regarding the number of personnel who were travelling on the aircraft.
Soon after the crash, rescue and recovery teams were dispatched to the remote site to secure the wreckage and begin preliminary examination work. The area was cordoned off as officials started collecting evidence related to the accident.
The Pakistan Army has ordered a formal board of inquiry to investigate the circumstances that led to the crash. The probe will focus on identifying the technical fault suspected to have caused the helicopter to lose control.
Military aviation incidents in the region are typically followed by detailed investigations that assess mechanical condition, maintenance records, and operational procedures before reaching conclusions.
Further information is expected once investigators complete the initial phase of the inquiry and release an official assessment of the incident.
