Two Majors Among Five Martyred in GB Helicopter Crash

CHILAS  (RNN TV) — A Pakistan Army MI-17 helicopter crashed in the Chilas area of Diamer district on Monday, killing all five crew members on board, the military confirmed.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the aircraft was on a routine training mission when it developed a technical fault and went down near Hudor village, about 12 kilometers from Thakdas Cantonment, during an attempted emergency landing around 10am.

The martyred crew members were identified as Major Atif (Pilot in Command), Major Faisal (Co-pilot), Naib Subedar Subhan Maqbool (Flight Engineer), Havaldar Jahangir (Crew Chief), and Naik Amir (Crew Chief).

ISPR said training flights are a regular part of Army Aviation’s operations to ensure readiness for a wide range of tasks, from combat support to humanitarian relief.

Local, Military Officials Respond

Gilgit-Baltistan government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq confirmed the cause as a technical malfunction. Senior officials, including the Commander FCNA, DG Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts, and the Diamer commissioner, reached the site shortly after the crash.

The governor and chief minister of Gilgit-Baltistan expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy.

National Leaders Offer Condolences

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also extended his condolences, expressing grief over the loss of lives and offering sympathies to the bereaved families.