Two pilots, three staff members killed in G-B crash

Crash took place in Thor, Chilas

The Army Aviation helicopter crashed at Hudar in Diamer, Chilas, Gilgit-Baltistan, following a technical malfunction on Monday, officials confirmed. 

According to government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq, the aircraft was carrying two pilots and three technical staff members. All five members on board have been confirmed dead. The MI-17 helicopter was on a routine training flight when it developed a technical problem. 

According to the statement given by ISPR, the crew members who were martyred were Pilot in Command Major Atif, Co-pilot Major Faisal,  Naib Subedar Flight Engineer Maqbool, Crew Chief Hav Jahangir, and Crew Chief Naik Amir. 

"Training missions are part of routine activities of Army Aviation to maintain operational readiness for performing tasks varying from operational support to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief,"  said ISPR in their statement.

The Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan Haji Gulbar Khan, expressed sorrow over the incident and directed authorities to reach the crash site immediately.

The district administration, local authorities, Commander FCNA, DG Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts, and Commissioner Diamer have arrived at the scene, along with a large number of residents, said Faraq.

Efforts to extinguish the fire and secure the site are currently underway, while further details about casualties or damage are yet to be confirmed.

Faizullah Faraq noted that this helicopter was occasionally used in relief operations. "In every time of hardship, these eagle-like behaviour have repaid the nation's debt with their blood," said Faraq when referring to the martyrs.

Emergency measures have been implemented at Chilas Hospital by the Chief Minister. The government has directed all doctors and medical staff to ensure their presence at the hospital.

The incident has raised serious concerns about aviation safety in the mountainous region, where challenging terrain and technical faults pose recurring risks.