KP govt’s helicopter crashes during rescue operation in Bajaur; 5 including two pilots embrace martyrdom
PESHAWAR, ( WEB NEWS )
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has confirmed that a government MI-17 helicopter crashed while transporting relief supplies to Salarzai in Bajaur.
According to official sources, contact with the helicopter was lost due to bad weather while it was flying over Mohmand’s airspace. The crash resulted in the martyrdom of all 5 crew members including two pilots.
KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur stated that all possible efforts were made to re-establish contact with the helicopter before the crash was confirmed. Rescue teams were immediately dispatched to the site on his directives.
“As a result of this tragic accident, five passengers, including two pilots, were martyred,” Ali Amin Gandapur said. “The provincial government has called for a day of mourning tomorrow and flags will be flown at half mast,” the statement added. “Rescue teams have been dispatched to the crash site and the martyrs will be buried with full honours.”
He further added that the province’s second government helicopter is currently engaged in rescue operations in Buner.