Army copter crashes in GB; five martyred

RAWALPINDI:

An MI-17 helicopter of the Pakistan Army Aviation Corp on Monday crashed in mountainous Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) region, killing all five crew members including two pilots.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the helicopter was on a routine training flight when it developed a technical fault and crashed near Hudor village, about 12 kilometers from Thakdas Cantonment in the G-B.

All crew members on board embraced martyrdom. They were identified as Major Atif—pilot in command, Major Faisal—the co-pilot, Naib Subedar Maqbool—flight engineer as well as crew chiefs—Havaldar Jahangir and Naik Amir.

"Training missions are part of routine activities of the Army Aviation to maintain operational readiness for performing tasks varying from operational support to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. The Pakistan Army remains committed to ensuring readiness in all facets," the military's media wing said.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep grief and sorrow over the crash of the training helicopter. In their separate statements, the president and the prime minister prayed for the elevation of ranks of the martyrs in Jannah. Extending condolences to the families of the martyrs, they prayed for patience and strength for the bereaved families. (WITH INPUT FROM APP)