Pakistan Army Helicopter Crashes in Kashmir, All On Board Killed
7 reported2 unconfirmed
A Pakistani army MI-17 helicopter crashed due to a technical fault in Pakistan-administered Kashmir on Wednesday, killing all military personnel on board, according to the military. The crash occurred near Muzaffarabad, the regional capital, during an ongoing protest and strike called by the Joint Awami Action Committee, a recently banned alliance of various groups. The military did not suggest any link between the protest and the crash. Witnesses reported the helicopter crashed shortly after takeoff from a helipad, and ambulances transported victims to a nearby hospital. The military stated that rescue and recovery teams reached the crash site and that a board of inquiry has been ordered to determine the exact cause. Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir expressed sorrow and condolences. The military did not immediately disclose how many people were aboard the helicopter.
What’s reported
A Pakistani army MI-17 helicopter crashed due to a technical fault in Pakistan-administered Kashmir on Wednesday.
All military personnel on board were killed; the number of people aboard was not immediately disclosed.
The crash occurred near Muzaffarabad during a protest and strike called by the Joint Awami Action Committee, a recently banned alliance.
The military did not suggest any link between the protest and the crash.
Witnesses said the helicopter crashed shortly after takeoff from a helipad.
A board of inquiry has been ordered to determine the exact cause.
Pakistan's President, Prime Minister, and army chief expressed sorrow and condolences.
Open questions
The exact number of military personnel on board the helicopter.
The specific technical fault that caused the crash.
Key figures
Asif Ali Zardari, President of Pakistan
Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Pakistan
Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan's army chief
Sources: abcnews.com
