CHILAS: A Pakistan Army helicopter crashed on Monday in Diamer District’s Chilas town, leaving five crew members dead, officials confirmed.
Diamer Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Abdul Hameed stated that the helicopter, belonging to the Pakistan Army, was conducting a test landing on a newly proposed helipad when the crash occurred. Police and rescue teams promptly reached the site and began evacuation efforts.
While the official cause is under investigation, GB government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq attributed the incident to a technical failure, calling the crash “regrettable” and offering condolences. He noted that the helicopter was occasionally used for relief operations in the region.
GB Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan confirmed the crash in the Hadar area of Diamer, citing a technical fault. He directed authorities to impose an emergency at Chilas Hospital and ensure immediate availability of medical staff. The chief minister also paid tribute to the martyrs, stating that their sacrifice is a source of pride for the nation.
This incident follows another army helicopter crash earlier this month in Bajaur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which killed two pilots and three crew members during a rescue mission.
In 2024, at least six people were killed and eight injured when a petroleum company’s helicopter crashed near the Shewa oil field in North Waziristan.