An Mi-17 helicopter, belonging to the Pakistan Army's aviation wing, crashed near Muzaffarabad shortly after take-off on Wednesday. The military has informed that all on board were killed in the accident, Hindustan Times reported.
In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the helicopter went down due to a suspected technical fault. Rescue and recovery teams were immediately deployed to the crash site.
"All personnel on board embraced martyrdom. There were no survivors," the ISPR said.
The military has not yet disclosed the exact number of people killed in the crash. Authorities said the cause of the accident remains under investigation.
Probe ordered into crash
The ISPR notified that a board of inquiry has been constituted to determine the exact reason behind the crash.
"The ISPR statement further read that it has ordered a board of inquiry to ascertain the exact technical cause of the accident," according to a report published in Dawn.
Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir and military personnel expressed condolences over the loss of lives.
"Chief of the Army Staff Asim Munir and all ranks of the army ‘express deep grief over the tragic loss of precious lives and extend heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families," the statement read.
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Series of military helicopter crashes in Pakistan
The latest accident adds to a series of military helicopter crashes reported in Pakistan in recent years.
A Pakistan Army helicopter crashed in September 2025 while on a routine mission. The accident took place in the country's northern region and killed two pilots and three technicians. Another helicopter operated by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government crashed in Mohmand district in August 2025 during bad weather. The accident left five crew members dead, HT reported.
In August 2022, a Pakistan Army helicopter crashed in Balochistan's Lasbela district after losing contact during a flight. In September of the same year, six army personnel, including two majors, were killed in another military helicopter crash in Harnai district.
Earlier incidents include a 2021 Army Aviation helicopter crash that killed two pilots, a 2020 casualty evacuation helicopter crash that claimed four military personnel, and a 2015 military helicopter accident near Mansehra in which all 12 people on board died.
The latest crash has once again raised concerns about aviation safety and operational risks within Pakistan's military aviation fleet.
FAQs:
1. Where did the Pakistan Army helicopter crash occur?
Near Muzaffarabad during take-off on Wednesday.
2. What caused the Mi-17 helicopter crash?
The military said a suspected technical fault may have caused the crash.
