A government helicopter belonging to Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) authorities crashed near Chilas on Monday, killing all five crew members on board, officials confirmed.
Technical Glitch Suspected
The aircraft went down during what was reportedly a test landing at a newly planned helipad site, said GB government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq. Two pilots and three members of the technical staff were among the dead. While initial reports point to a possible technical malfunction, investigators have yet to determine the exact cause of the crash.
Immediate Response from Officials
Diamer Senior Superintendent of Police Abdul Hameed confirmed the fatalities. Following the incident, GB Chief Minister issued a statement expressing “profound grief” and ordered a swift emergency response. Military and civil authorities, including the Force Commander Northern Areas, DG GB Scouts, and Diamer’s commissioner, were dispatched to the crash site. Rescue teams are working to secure the area and put out the fire caused by the wreckage.
A Rare but Tragic Occurrence
Helicopter crashes in Pakistan’s mountainous northern regions are relatively uncommon but often deadly, given the challenging terrain and difficult flying conditions. Authorities are expected to conduct a detailed investigation to identify the fault and review safety protocols.