A Pakistan Army helicopter crashed near Chilas in Gilgit-Baltistan on Sunday during what officials described as a routine test landing at a newly constructed helipad site in Thor Valley. Initial reports confirm that the aircraft went down due to a suspected technical fault. At least five crew member have died. Conflicting reports suggest one personnel was able to jump out of the helicopter before impact and survived.
The helicopter was carrying five personnel, including two pilots and three technical staff, when it encountered a sudden malfunction during descent. According to officials present at the scene, the aircraft attempted an emergency landing but failed to stabilize and crashed into the rugged terrain of the valley. The impact caused a fire, and rescue teams faced difficulties reaching the wreckage due to thick smoke and the narrow valley path.
Eyewitnesses from nearby villages saw the helicopter struggling mid-air before descending sharply. They rushed to the crash site alongside local administration and security forces. One survivor was found conscious and taken to the hospital in Chilas for treatment. His condition is said to be stable, but he has suffered multiple injuries. Authorities have yet to release the names of those on board.
Senior military officials, including the Commander FCNA and DG GB Scouts, along with the Diamer Commissioner and district police, arrived at the site to oversee rescue and recovery operations. Helicopter support and medical teams were dispatched to assist with evacuation and investigation.
Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan expressed deep sorrow over the incident. In a statement, he offered condolences to the families of those on board and said that a full investigation would be launched to determine the exact cause of the crash. He also praised the quick response of local residents who helped in the initial rescue efforts.
The area where the crash occurred is located in a high-altitude, remote valley known for its rugged terrain and unpredictable weather. The helipad where the test landing was being conducted had recently been built to improve aerial access to the Thor Valley and surrounding areas.
This incident has once again raised questions about the safety of military flights in mountainous regions, where changing weather and limited visibility often create additional challenges.
Further details are expected as authorities continue their investigation and as medical teams provide updates on the condition of the injured survivor. The Pakistan Army has not yet released an official statement.
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